Get the latest news from around Illinois.
The Center Square: Businesses coping with Illinois’ minimum wage increase
Illinois’ minimum wage increased to $13 at the beginning of the year and businesses are feeling it.
In 2019, after no increases in the minimum wage since 2010, the legislature agreed to a gradual increase that will top off at $15 an hour in 2025.
WTTW: More Chicago Families Turning to Private, Charter Schools as CPS Enrollment Declines
Chicago Public Schools has been working to combat declining enrollment and funding challenges — but a significant number of low-income families of color are choosing to leave the district, opting for private and charter schools.
For North Center parent Blanca Rosa Chattin, sending her daughter to DePaul College Prep, a private high school in Roscoe Village, was a necessary shift.
State Journal-Register: More than guns and abortion: What other bills passed during the lame duck session?
The conclusion of the 102nd Illinois General Assembly was dominated primarily by bills pertaining to semi-automatic weapons and abortion. However, many other bills of note passed over the past two weeks.
Senate Bill 1720 was one of them. Gov. JB Pritzker signed the bill prior to his inauguration. It grants pay increases for state legislators and statewide officeholders.
The Center Square: Inflation continues to impact Illinois restaurants
Illinois restaurants continue to tread lightly as adversity hits them from multiple directions.
The combination of inflation, rising costs, staffing shortages and current and potential employees demanding higher pay can be a recipe for disaster, Illinois Chamber of Commerce President Todd Maisch said.
Chicago Tribune: Embattled former Ald. Proco ‘Joe’ Moreno will remain on ballot in his attempt to return to public office
Former Ald. Proco “Joe” Moreno will remain a candidate for 1st Ward alderman despite objections from an opponent who said he should be kicked off the ballot because he pleaded guilty in 2021 to obstructing justice and giving a false report to authorities, the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners ruled Friday.
The decision clears the way for the four-candidate contest in the 1st Ward to continue in which incumbent Ald. Daniel La Spata is facing off against Moreno and two others to represent parts of Wicker Park, West Town, Logan Square and other neighborhoods. La Spata defeated Moreno for the seat in 2019.
MyStateline.com: Illinois paid leave bill awaits Pritzker’s signature
A bill that would guarantee paid sick leave in Illinois is now awaiting Governor JB Pritzker’s signature.
It would mandate all employers to provide five days of paid leave to be used for reason if signed into law. It would also allow workers to roll over 40 hours of unused time.
Capitol News Illinois: Report predicts billions in motor fuel tax revenue losses if state meets EV goals
Despite Illinois’ efforts to smoothly integrate electric vehicles into the state’s economy, a new report from the Illinois Economic Policy Institute is warning of a potential steep decline in transportation revenue as the process of electrification accelerates.
The primary issue is motor fuel taxes, which will see a significant drop as more electric vehicles make their way to the road and fewer people fill their cars with gas.