July 15, 2026/

Illinois Quick Hits: Benton pulls name from ballot after resignation

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By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Former state Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, who resigned from his seat in the Illinois House of Representatives at the start of this month following investigations into alleged misconduct while he was in office, has followed through on his promise to withdraw his name from November ballots.

The Will and Kendall County Democrats shared an open call for residents of the 97th district to apply to replace Benton, both for the remainder of his term and separately on the Democrat line of the ballot. The application closed Monday, but a candidate could be appointed by the chairs anytime before August 21, the day ballots are finalized.

Sean Reed contributed to this story

PRITZKER SIGNS SERVICE MEMBER, VETERANS-RELATED BILLS

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation related to military service members and veterans.

Senate Bill 3737 requires universities to promptly readmit students after academic military leave.

Senate Bill 3818 incentivizes Illinois National Guard recruitment by providing financial compensation for successful referrals.

Senate Bill 3926 moves the Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Program Advisory Council under the Department of Public Health.

All three measures take effect Jan.

IL DEPT. OF LABOR RELEASES PREVAILING WAGE RATES

The Illinois Department of Labor has published the 2026 prevailing wage rates for construction trades in each county across the state.

The rates took effect on Wednesday, following IDOL’s annual statewide survey pursuant to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act.

The law requires workers on publicly funded construction and infrastructure projects to be paid wages that reflect local standards.

The rates can be found the the Illinois Department of Labor’s Prevailing Wage Act Rates webpage.

FINANCIAL CONDITIONS INDEX DECREASES

The Chicago Fed’s National Financial Conditions Index decreased to –0.54 in the week ending July 10, suggesting looser financial conditions where credit is considered to be easier and cheaper for businesses and consumers.

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