Illinois Quick Hits: General Assembly leaders promise budget transparency

Illinois Quick Hits: General Assembly leaders promise budget transparency

Spread the love

(The Center Square) – Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, and Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, say more than 90 pieces of budget legislation will be consolidated and introduced as House Bill 131 and Senate Bill 2512.

Welch and Harmon issued a joint statement saying the compiled language would ensure that all interested parties have time to review and offer thoughtful feedback.

In previous years, Welch and Harmon have sponsored shell bills that were stuffed with line items and passed during the final hours of session.

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS EXAMS POSTPONED DUE TO CYBER ATTACK

The University of Illinois has postponed all final exams and assignments through Sunday due to a global cyber attack on the school’s Canvas learning management system.

A university statement said the vendor that operates Canvas, Instructure, disclosed the incident May 1 and it remains under investigation.

IL FEDERATION OF TEACHERS MEGAPROJECTS CALCULATOR

The Illinois Federation of Teachers has released a “Mega Project, Mega Loss” calculator it says quantifies how much towns and schools stand to lose under megaprojects legislation in the General Assembly.

The teachers union said the current bill signifies the largest transfer of responsibility for revenue to fund schools and services from private developers to individual property owners in the state’s history.

AAA FUEL PRICES

Illinois fuel prices dipped slightly on Friday, according to AAA.

The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $4.99, down less than a penny from the day before. The average price for diesel is $5.98.

The national averages are $4.55 for unleaded and $5.67 for diesel.

POPE 1 YEAR

On the one-year anniversary of Illinois native Pope Leo XIV’s election as pope, Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich offered thanked for the pontiff’s leadership and his call to unity and peace.

In a social media post, Cupich asked all to join him in praying for the Holy Father.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Screenshot 2026-04-25 at 8.34.35 AM

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 for April 16, 2026

Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | April 16, 2026 The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education met on Thursday to review comprehensive financial forecasting, expand...
Supreme Court declines hearing Chicago gun sales case

Supreme Court declines hearing Chicago gun sales case

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court declined hearing a case that alleged an Indiana gun shop fueled gun violence in Chicago. The case, Westforth Sports v. Chicago,...
Will County Board Graphic.02

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board for April 16, 2026

Will County Board Meeting | April 16, 2026 The Will County Board met at an offsite hotel venue on Thursday, April 16, 2026, navigating a heavy agenda dominated by the...
Illinois Quick Hits: Google settlement wins praise from Illinois AG

Illinois Quick Hits: Google settlement wins praise from Illinois AG

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul says he is pleased that a federal court stated it will approve...
Illinois diversity commission says businesses aren't cooperating

Illinois diversity commission says businesses aren’t cooperating

By Jared Strong | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) -- Illinois has failed to broaden access to state contract money for businesses owned by racial minorities, women...
U.S. House, Senate, governor on Ohio primary ballots Tuesday

U.S. House, Senate, governor on Ohio primary ballots Tuesday

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Voters in Ohio will head to polls on Tuesday to select their respective party nominees after the state legislature conducted a mid-decade redistricting effort to...
New Lenox Village Board Graphic.1

Mayor Baldermann Blasts State Housing Mandates and Financial Cuts as “Political Pawns”

New Lenox Village Board of Trustees Meeting | April 27, 2026 Article Summary:New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann used his executive report to issue a scathing rebuke of pending state legislation—specifically...
Lincoln Way Central Baseball Graphic

Lake Central Uses Big Fourth Inning to Hold Off Lincoln-Way Central 3-2

A critical three-run rally in the fourth inning proved to be the difference as the Lake Central varsity baseball team edged visiting non-conference opponent Lincoln-Way Central 3-2 on Saturday afternoon...
lincoln way school district 210 logo.2

Lincoln-Way Updates Student Handbook, Bans “Smart Glasses” to Combat AI Cheating

Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | April 16, 2026 Article Summary: The Lincoln-Way Board of Education approved updates to the 2026-2027 student handbook, notably adding "smart glasses" to the...
Will County Board Graphic.03

Will County Board Approves Tax Abatement Intent for “Project North Winds” Manufacturing Facility

Will County Board Meeting | April 16, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board signaled its intent to offer a 50% property tax abatement to "Project North Winds," a proposed...
Illinois lawmaker warns medical records bill could delay care

Illinois lawmaker warns medical records bill could delay care

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State lawmakers are clashing over an Illinois proposal that would restrict how certain sensitive medical information...
Lincoln Way Central Softball Graphic

Lincoln-Way West Shuts Out Knights in Conference Matchup

The Lincoln-Way Central varsity softball team struggled to find a rhythm against a potent Lincoln-Way West offense on Friday, falling by a score of 11-0. Lincoln-Way West wasted no time...
‘Farm Bill’ may ease cost burden for farmers; Ag groups urge US Senate action

‘Farm Bill’ may ease cost burden for farmers; Ag groups urge US Senate action

By Sean ReedThe Center Square Many farm-focused organizations say they support a GOP-led legislative package on agriculture that narrowly passed through the U.S. House. The Illinois Farm Bureau has urged...
‘Farm Bill’ may ease cost burden for farmers; Ag groups urge US Senate action

‘Farm Bill’ may ease cost burden for farmers; Ag groups urge US Senate action

By Sean ReedThe Center Square Many farm-focused organizations say they support a GOP-led legislative package on agriculture that narrowly passed through the U.S. House. The Illinois Farm Bureau has urged...
Indiana voters to decide compeititive congressional primary races Tuesday

Indiana voters to decide compeititive congressional primary races Tuesday

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Indiana voters head to the polls Tuesday to elect party representatives in several competitive primary races. Across the Hoosier state, local political figures are seeking...