NW Illinois News

House Republicans in Illinois have proposed a package for ethics reform, aiming to address corruption within the state government. Representatives Patrick Windhorst, Dave Severin, and David Friess pointed to the history of corruption in the General Assembly, including the case of former Speaker Michael Madigan. The proposed measures are intended to restore faith in government accountability.

Leader McCombie issued a statement: “Illinoisans are sick and tired of corruption running rampant in their state government. While Democrats protect the status quo, House Republicans are fighting to restore public trust and accountability. Ethics reform isn’t optional, it’s essential. The people of Illinois deserve leaders who serve them, not self-serving politicians who manipulate the system for personal gain. We will not stop pushing for real reforms to clean up this broken system!”

McCombie is also leading a legal challenge regarding district maps drawn by Illinois Democrats in 2021. These maps have been criticized as gerrymandering to favor the Democratic Party and ensure a supermajority in the legislature. McCombie's lawsuit before the Illinois Supreme Court seeks to address this issue. Criticism centers on figures like Michael Kasper, a top lawyer for the former Speaker, being hired to defend these maps.

The fiscal health of Illinois was highlighted in the latest revenue report from the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (CGFA). March showed a rebound in State income tax revenues after previous declines, aided by substantial growth in Personal Income Tax. However, Corporate Income Tax receipts have not met expectations, showing slight improvement in March but requiring more growth to meet forecasts. Sales Tax revenues also require a boost to meet projections amidst consumer confidence challenges. A decline in Federal sources in March further complicates the financial landscape.

A recent study indicates a 50% increase in home insurance premiums in Illinois from 2021 to 2024. This rise presents challenges to first-time homebuyers and young families due to insurance requirements linked to mortgage qualifications.

Data from the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights unemployment trends in Illinois. In February 2025, the unemployment rate in the Chicago metro area rose slightly to 5.3% compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, other areas like Rockford, Bloomington, and Champaign-Urbana showed improvements, influenced by regional economic factors.

With a May 7 deadline approaching, Illinois residents are reminded of new REAL ID requirements for air travel and access to secure federal facilities. The REAL ID, marked by a white star inside a gold circle, requires applicants to present various identification documents.

Taxpayers in Illinois are encouraged to meet the April 15 deadline for filing income tax returns. Free electronic filing options are available through state and federal programs, with additional resources provided on the House Republicans’ Caucus Blog to assist taxpayers.