October 29, 2025/

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

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

Everyday Economics: Falling gas prices helped keep consumers spending

By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square Inflation fell more than expected in June. That gave consumers some breathing room, and they kept spending – even if they became more selective about...
Illinois may bring early warning of toll costs ahead of proposed rate hike

Illinois may bring early warning of toll costs ahead of proposed rate hike

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – While Illinois contemplates raising prices on tollways across the state, one state lawmaker wants increased transparency for...
Illinois senator says True Value move highlights business climate concerns

Illinois senator says True Value move highlights business climate concerns

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois state Sen. Chris Balkema said True Value’s decision to move its headquarters from Chicago to...
Casey Westfield School Board.1

Casey-Westfield Adopts Amended FY 2026 Budget After Hearing Draws No Comment

Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board of Education Meeting | June 22, 2026 Article Summary: The Casey-Westfield Board of Education adopted the district's amended fiscal year 2026 budget on Monday, June 22,...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Casey’s Fourth of July Draws Thousands Despite Storm Cancellations

Casey City Council Meeting | July 6, 2026 Article Summary: City officials recapped a largely successful Fourth of July weekend celebrating the nation's 250th birthday, with a smooth parade, a...
Two services members killed, one missing in Iranian strike

Two services members killed, one missing in Iranian strike

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Two U.S. service members have been killed in action, and one remains missing following an Iranian missile strike in Jordan, U.S. Central Command announced Saturday...
U.S. Coast Guard monitors Chinese ships off Alaska coast

U.S. Coast Guard monitors Chinese ships off Alaska coast

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The U.S. Coast Guard is actively engaged in Arctic defense, monitoring and dealing with potential national security threats posed by Chinese ships. Last summer, the...
Millions celebrate America 250, Sail250 events in key ports

Millions celebrate America 250, Sail250 events in key ports

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Millions of Americans celebrated America 250, Sail250 events in key ports, boarding scores of ships that sailed thousands of nautical miles to celebrate the 250th...
Chicago delays vote on parking meter sale, risks litigation

Chicago delays vote on parking meter sale, risks litigation

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A long-awaited vote from the Chicago City Council to move forward with approving the sale of the...
Hegseth's 'High-T' troop screening mandate comes without cost estimate

Hegseth’s ‘High-T’ troop screening mandate comes without cost estimate

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The Department of War is mandating annual testosterone screening for every active-duty and reserve service member age 30 and older, a mandate affecting about 2...
Congressional candidates tackle housing, immigration

Congressional candidates tackle housing, immigration

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Immigration and housing policies will be at the top of voters’ minds in Arizona’s 6th and 9th congressional districts, races that could determine control of...
Senators to examine hospital price transparency legislation

Senators to examine hospital price transparency legislation

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers is set to examine a bill next week to require hospitals and insurance companies to display prices for provided services....
Transit bill sponsor ok with recycled board appointments

Transit bill sponsor ok with recycled board appointments

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Although recent appointees to the new Northern Illinois Transit Authority already hold seats on current transit boards...
U.S. adds 3.5M businesses despite shaky economy

U.S. adds 3.5M businesses despite shaky economy

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The United States added nearly 3.5 million new businesses in the first half of 2026, breaking previous expectations, according to a new report. Registered Agents...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

Casey to Activate 22 Park Security Cameras After Vandalism

Casey City Council Meeting | July 6, 2026 Article Summary: Mayor Mike Nichols announced roughly 22 security cameras will be placed to cover the entire city park after repeated vandalism,...