May 1, 2026/

Illinois Quick Hits: Civic federation funds ‘persistent structural imbalance’ in Illinois

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – A new Civic Federation report has identified a persistent structural imbalance in the Illinois budget, with expenditures projected to grow faster than core revenues.

The Chicago-based government research organization examined how Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2027 advances the state’s goals for financial stability.

The report said Illinois’ fiscal position is likely to weaken unless the state adopts policy changes to better align revenues and expenditures, support stronger economic growth and expand the tax base.

FUEL PRICES SURGE AGAIN

Illinois gas prices have risen by an average of more than 50 cents per gallon in the last week.

According to AAA, the average price for regular unleaded was $4.86 on Friday, up from $4.30 one week before and $4.67 on Thursday.

The average Illinois price one year ago was $3.40.

IL FARM BUREAU URGES U.S. SENATE TO PASS FARM BILL

Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson is urging the U.S. Senate to swiftly pass the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. The House approved the bill by a vote of 224 to 200 on Thursday.

The the legislation updates funding levels for crop insurance and price support, disaster assistance, risk management programs, operation and marketing loans, and federal agricultural research.

Thérèse Boudreaux contributed to this story.

PINCKNEYVILLE SUPERINTENDENT OUT

A Southern Illinois public school superintendent has stepped down following allegations of misconduct.

The Southern Illinoisan reports that the Pinckneyville CCSD 204 school board accepted the resignation of superintendent Jerry Travelstead following a nearly three-hour meeting on Thursday night.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

Casey Council Approves Union Contract, Issues Historic Founding Day Proclamation

The Casey City Council approved a tentative agreement with the ICOP Union and signed a proclamation commemorating the city's founding during Monday's meeting, while also advancing several business and infrastructure...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Casey Schedules Public Input on Comprehensive Plan Update

Casey residents will have the opportunity to provide input on the city's comprehensive plan update during a public meeting scheduled for April 22nd from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Economic Development...
City Council Meeting Briefs.Blue

CITY MEETING BRIEFS

Ordinance Changes Considered: Alderman Richardson reported a citizen inquiry about allowing chickens within city limits, with an ordinance committee meeting planned to discuss potential changes to current regulations. Emergency Sirens...
Casey Westfield School Board.2

Casey-Westfield Board Approves $4.5 Million Bond Issue with Local Banks

The Casey-Westfield School Board unanimously approved a $4.5 million bond issue for fire prevention, safety improvements, and building renovations during Monday's meeting, with financing arranged through three local banks at...
Casey Westfield School Board.3

Legislative Concerns and Athletic Policy Changes Address School Operations

Casey-Westfield school officials are monitoring state legislative developments that could affect district operations, while also adapting to new athletic association policies for private school competition. Superintendent Mike Shackelford alerted board...
Casey Westfield School Board.1

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING BRIEFS

Technology Infrastructure Critical: The 9-year-old junior/senior high server replacement was urgently needed due to memory loss, 95% capacity usage, and daily error codes threatening system failure. Local Banking Partnership: Three...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Casey Approves Historical Society Parade, Adds Employee Medical Benefits

The Casey City Council formally approved the Casey Historical Society Parade for May 10th and enhanced employee benefits by adding AirMedCare membership during Monday's meeting, while also advancing comprehensive planning...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

Casey Advances Comprehensive Planning with Public Input Planned

Casey is moving forward with a comprehensive update to its long-range planning efforts, with public participation opportunities scheduled for April as the city works toward adopting a new comprehensive plan...
City Council Meeting Briefs.Purple

CITY MEETING BRIEFS

Summer Cleanup Scheduled: The annual city-wide cleanup will run June 7th through June 14th, with Utility Superintendent Biggs also announcing plans to advertise for summer help positions. Storm Response Active:...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

Casey Police Face Staffing Changes as Officer Resigns, New Recruit Advances

The Casey Police Department is navigating personnel transitions after an officer submitted his resignation, while a new recruit continues progressing through the academy, Chief Adam Henderson reported during Monday's city...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Economic Development Initiatives Gain Momentum in Casey

Casey's economic development efforts are expanding with multiple new programs and partnerships designed to boost the city's growth prospects, Economic Development Director Tom Daughhetee announced during Monday's council meeting. Daughhetee...
City Council Meeting Briefs.Blue

CITY MEETING BRIEFS

Founder's Day Parade Planned: A Founder's Day Parade is being organized for May 10th following a request by Patty Richards during the public forum. A resolution authorizing the parade will...
Casey Westfield School Board.1

Casey-Westfield Board Holds Hearing on $4.5 Million Safety Bond Issue

The Casey-Westfield School Board conducted a public hearing on a proposed $4.5 million bond issue for fire prevention and safety improvements, while also approving 4% administrative salary increases and addressing...
Casey Westfield School Board.2

Casey-Westfield Students Excel in Academics and Community Service

Casey-Westfield students demonstrated exceptional achievement across academic, artistic, and community service activities, according to administrator reports presented during Monday's board meeting. Monroe Elementary students celebrated multiple milestones, including the 100th...
Casey Westfield School Board.3

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING BRIEFS

Bond Issue Under Review: The $4.5 million fire prevention and safety bond proposal remains under consideration following public hearing input about property tax concerns and district bonding capacity. State Funding...