As federal deadline approaches, Illinois Secretary of State urges residents to “Get Real”

Capitol News Illinois With a deadline approaching for U.S. citizens to obtain Real IDs, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is urging Illinois residents to “Get Real.” Real ID is a federally-standardized identification card that requires stricter proof of identity to obtain than the regular state driver’s licenses or ID cards. All Drivers Services facilities…

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Black, Latino lawmakers criticize Pritzker’s proposed budget

Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD – Majority Party Democrats had mixed reactions to Gov. JB Pritzker’s budget address Wednesday, with leadership in the General Assembly offering praise amid criticisms from members of the legislature’s Black and Latino caucuses. The governor’s budget speech – which outlined a $2 billion spending increase without new taxes on everyday Illinoisans…

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Pritzker calls $55.2B budget ‘responsible and balanced’ – but warns Trump policies could upend it

Capitol News Illinois Editor’s note: This story was updated to accurately reflect a quote attributed to Sen. Karina Villa. SPRINGFIELD — An improved revenue forecast is helping ease pressure on state finances as Gov. JB Pritzker calls for tightened spending to balance the budget without tax increases on everyday Illinoisans. During his annual state of…

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State official: renewable investments ‘best thing’ to lower energy costs

Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD — With an increasing number of officials warning Illinois might struggle to meet its renewable energy goals, regulators and lawmakers met Tuesday to discuss how the state should regulate its energy industry. The state is facing a potential decrease in electricity generation at the same time demand is increasing, partially because…

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Committee advances bill to ban vehicle searches based on smell of cannabis

Capitol News Illinois An Illinois Senate committee advanced a bill on Tuesday that would strictly limit police’s ability to search a vehicle after smelling cannabis. The Senate Criminal Law Committee voted 7-3 to advance Senate Bill 42, which would eliminate the requirement that cannabis be transported in vehicles in an odor-proof container. It would also…

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