Capitol News Illinois CHICAGO – Older drivers in Illinois could face fewer barriers to renew their driver’s licenses next year as part of a bill that would raise the age for the state-mandated annual driver’s test from 79 to 87. Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced support for House Bill 1226 this week, joined by…

Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD — Revenue returns remain on track halfway through Illinois’ budget year, though it’s next year that is causing concern in the Capitol. The Governor’s Office of Management and Budget projects a $3.2 billion deficit for the fiscal year that begins July 1, and the number one task facing Gov. JB Pritzker…

Capitol News Illinois CHICAGO – After Michael Madigan spent several hours facing blistering cross-examination in his federal corruption trial, the former Illinois House speaker on Tuesday made a rare candid remark about the yearslong investigation that landed him on the witness stand in a Chicago courtroom. “We all have regrets in life,” Madigan said. “And…

Capitol News Illinois Many Illinois residents will be able to use the IRS Direct File service to electronically prepare and file their 2024 federal tax returns for free. Almost 2 million eligible Illinois taxpayers will be able to use Direct File starting Jan. 27. Gov. J.B. Pritzker said this service will, “put money typically spent…

Capitol News Illinois CHICAGO – With homelessness increasing in Illinois, a coalition of shelter providers and advocates is calling for a $100 million increase in state funding to prevent homelessness and provide shelter to people without homes. That would come on top of the $290 million the state is spending this year on homelessness services. Advocates…

Capitol News Illinois CHICAGO – For nearly three months, government lawyers in former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s federal corruption trial have tried to drill home the amount of control the longtime Democratic powerbroker wielded in Springfield. Whether or not the jury is convinced that Madigan held all the cards during his record 36 years…

Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD — A measure awaiting Gov. JB Pritzker’s signature will help protect transgender people and victims of domestic violence who seek to change their names, according to its proponents. The bill repeals a requirement that those seeking a name change publish a notice in a local newspaper. It also allows those seeking…