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Monday, January 30, 2023Illinois rated as one of top states to raise a family
Illinois is one of the top states in the country to raise a family, beating out Texas, California, Florida, Ohio, and Indiana based on factors including jobs, affordability, education, recreation, and more, according to a study released this week. In its 2023 “Best & Worst States to Raise a Family” report, personal finance website WalletHub ranked Illinois 3rd in median family income, 4th for family fun, and 11th for affordability. The state ranked 13th overall based on calculations involving 51 metrics.
Friday, January 20, 2023Pritzker Administration Relaunches ''Opening Doors'' Homebuyer Assistance Program With Additional $8 M
Pritzker Administration Relaunches “Opening Doors” Homebuyer Assistance Program With Additional $8 MillionDown Payment Assistance Program Helping Break Down Key Barriers to HomeownershipCHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker today announced the reopening of a homeownership program designed to help working-class families and underrepresented communities of color throughout the state of Illinois. Offered through the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), the Opening Doors or Abriendo Puertas program is
Tuesday, January 10, 2023IRS issues standard mileage rates for 2023; business use increases 3 cents per mile
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued the 2023 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning on January 1, 2023, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be: 65.5 cents per mile driven for business use, up 3 cents from the midyear increase setting the rate for the second half of 2022. 22 cents per mile driven for medical or
Monday, January 09, 2023FUNDS AVAILABLE FROM KANE COUNTY FOR ANTI-SMOKING AND VAPING PROJECTS
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR ANTI-SMOKING AND VAPING PROJECTS The Kane County Health Department is making funds available for workplaces, schools, and healthcare providers to support anti-smoking and vaping policies, educational campaigns and cessation services. This is part of the work done by the Health Department’s Tobacco Control and Prevention Program with funding from the Illinois Department of Public Health. “Our goal is to keep people from starting to smoke or vape and to provide resources to anyone who
Wednesday, December 14, 2022Funds Available for Smoke Free Workplaces
Smoke Free Workplaces Project Request for Applications Reducing smoking and vaping among staff and promoting a smoke free workplace helps protect the entire workforce from the harms of tobacco smoke and improves health, morale and team performance. A workplace can create a smoke free environment with clear policies, signage and resources to help employees quit. The Kane County Tobacco Control and Prevention program aims to collaborate with area businesses and nonprofit organizations to promote quitting
Monday, November 28, 2022Get Your Elgin, IL Business Ready for a Fresh Start in the New Year!
Ah, the end of the year – a time to reflect on the past twelve months, celebrate our successes, and set our sights on the future. If you're a small business owner, it's also a time to get your ducks in a row and prepare for a fresh start in the new year. Not sure where to start? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Here are some end-of-year preparations for small business owners courtesy of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce: Assess This Year, Plan for Next Year The fourth quarter is a great
Wednesday, November 16, 2022Governor Pritzker Releases Five-Year Forecast Showing Projected Long-term Budgetary Deficits Nearly
Governor Pritzker Releases Five-Year Forecast Showing Projected Long-term Budgetary Deficits Nearly EliminatedIllinois in best fiscal shape in decades SPRINGFIELD -- The Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) released the annual Illinois Economic and Fiscal Policy Report showing under Governor Pritzker’s leadership Illinois is in its best fiscal shape in decades. “Illinois’ bills are being paid on time, we have over $1 billion in our rainy-day fund, our credit ratings are up and we are
Thursday, October 06, 2022Marketing Basics for Elgin Area Small Business Owners
Most small businesses and entrepreneurs painstakingly monitor their bottom lines. Tight budgets and minimal staff require flexibility and finesse and, as a small venture, one way to save money is by managing your own marketing. It’s likely that you’ve already been attempting; however, it’s possible your methods could use some tweaking. The Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce shows you how below:Study Your Current Approach To develop your own marketing department, begin by taking stock of your current
Monday, August 15, 2022Gov. Pritzker Announces $34.6 Billion Investment in Transportation Over Six Years
Gov. Pritzker Announces $34.6 Billion Investment in Transportation Over Six YearsNew program creates economic opportunity and jobs, promotes quality of life, and improves safety on transportation systems throughout Illinois SPRINGFIELD — Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) today to announce a $34.6 billion program to improve roads, bridges, transit, rail, airports, and ports over the next six years. This funding represents a robust commitment to invest in people
Monday, August 15, 2022Gov. Pritzker Announces Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly to Expand Choices in Care for
Gov. Pritzker Announces Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly to Expand Choices in Care for Illinois SeniorsServices for qualifying adults 55+ include holistic care planning, long term supports, therapies, medications, mental health care, and hospital care SPRINGFIELD — Governor JB Pritzker along with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) today announced the launch of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) to better meet the needs of older adults across Illinois.
Tuesday, August 02, 2022Governor Pritzker Issues Monkeypox Virus Public Health Emergency Declaration to Coordinate Statewide
Governor Pritzker Issues Monkeypox Virus Public Health Emergency Declaration to Coordinate Statewide ResponseCHICAGO—Governor Pritzker issued a proclamation today declaring the monkeypox virus a public health emergency and declaring the state of Illinois a disaster area regarding the disease. The declaration, which applies to the entire state, will allow the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to utilize resources for coordinating logistics across state agencies, quickly and efficiently aid in the
Monday, July 25, 2022Gov. Pritzker Announces Record-Breaking $445 Million in FY 2022 Adult-Use Cannabis Tax Revenue
Gov. Pritzker Announces Record-Breaking $445 Million in FY 2022 Adult-Use Cannabis Tax Revenue50% Increase in Total Tax Reported from Adult-Use Cannabis as Sales Exceed $1.5 Billion CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker announced today that the State of Illinois has seen a 50% increase in total tax reported from adult-use cannabis, from $297.7 million in fiscal year 2021 to $445.3 million in fiscal year 2022. Total adult-use cannabis sales also rose 50%, increasing from $1 billion to $1.5 billion,
Friday, July 15, 2022Illinois expands health care coverage for immigrant adults to include those aged 42 and up
Illinois expands health care coverage for immigrant adults to include those aged 42 and upSPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services is expanding the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program to now provide health care coverage to undocumented immigrant adults and certain legal permanent residents aged 42 and over. Building on the first-in-the-nation Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors program, Illinois in March launched the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program
Friday, July 08, 2022988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Coming to Illinois
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Tuesday, July 05, 2022Pritzker Administration Announces Opening of Electric Vehicle Rebate Program for Illinois Residents
Pritzker Administration Announces Opening of Electric Vehicle Rebate Program for Illinois ResidentsProgram offers $4,000 rebate for purchase of an electric passenger vehicle or $1,500 rebate for purchase of an electric motorcycle SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) Director John J. Kim today announced the opening of Illinois’ Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebate Program. The program was created under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) passed by the General Assembly and signed by
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Thursday, June 30, 2022Illinois Family Relief Plan to Begin July 1
Illinois Family Relief Plan to Begin July 1 Residents will save on gas, groceries, property taxes, and school supplies with tax holidays. Nearly $2 billion in relief was provided to residents through tax cuts and direct payments. Comptroller plans to roll out tax rebates in September CHICAGO — Beginning tomorrow, the Illinois Family Relief Plan will go into effect, making good on the promise by Governor Pritzker and the General Assembly to provide relief on the grocery tax, gas tax, and property
Tuesday, June 14, 2022Gov. Pritzker Announces Nation-Leading Investments in Early Childhood
Gov. Pritzker Announces Nation-Leading Investments in Early ChildhoodOver $175 million in funding to support child care providers & families CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) today announced new investments that strengthen and grow Illinois’ early childhood education and care field. These investments continue advancing Illinois as a leading state in the nation for children, families, and the early childhood workforce that support them. The changes
Friday, June 10, 2022Governor Pritzker Signs Family Bereavement Leave Act Into Law
Governor Pritzker Signs Family Bereavement Leave Act Into LawSB3120 requires paid leave for pregnancy loss or other situations impacting fertility, adoption, or pregnancy Chicago—Governor JB Pritzker today signed the Family Bereavement Act, an amendment to the Child Bereavement Leave Act that expands leave time requirements to cover pregnancy loss, failed adoptions, unsuccessful reproductive procedures, and other diagnoses or events impacting pregnancy and fertility. SB3120 also mandates leave after the
Friday, June 10, 2022Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation to Expand Access to Higher Education
Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation to Expand Access to Higher EducationBills aimed at increasing education equity across Illinois CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker today signed legislation designed to increase access to Illinois’ higher education system, close equity gaps, and improve student protections and operational effectiveness. The bills expand resources available to students and build on the administration’s efforts to expand equitable access to public universities and community colleges. House Bill
