NW Illinois News

IPASS on Demand is set to take place in Oregon today. The event, co-hosted by Oregon Mayor Ken Williams, will run from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Nash Recreation Center's River Room. Attendees can switch their plastic IPASS transponders for new sticker technology without a fee. Participants are advised to bring their transponders and note their license plate numbers for quick service.

Senator Andrew Chesney recently welcomed homeschool families from the 45th District to the State Capitol for the Illinois Christian Home Educators annual Cherry Pie Day. The event provided a platform for homeschooling parents and students to celebrate successes and advocate against House Bill 2827, which proposes additional regulations on homeschooling families. "The bill...would undermine parental rights," Chesney stated.

Chesney encourages those opposed to HB 2827 to submit witness slips before its hearing on March 12 in Springfield. "This will be your only opportunity to put your opinion on the official record," he emphasized.

In financial news, a forecast from the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) indicates a $1.2 billion shortfall in Governor Pritzker’s proposed budget. The Governor's plan includes $490 million in new revenues not yet approved by the General Assembly, leading COGFA to estimate a potential $740 million deficit even if these revenues are enacted. "This latest forecast underscores the need for a more responsible and realistic budget," according to Chesney.

Finally, Illinois residents have voted against redesigning the state flag, with public voting results showing that more votes were cast for retaining the current design than all other top designs combined. Critics argued that efforts should focus on pressing issues like financial instability rather than redesigning the flag.