WATCH: Debate around which tax to increase; pension enhancements, energy bills advance
October 30, 2025/
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop reviews the ongoing debate at the Illinois Statehouse about which taxes to increase during the final days of fall veto session. Among the proposals are an “amusement tax,” a retail delivery tax and decoupling Illinois tax code from the federal tax code.
Bishop also reviews several measures advancing through the legislature, including a pension reform measure that passed an Illinois House committee and an energy measure focused on renewables that passed the Illinois House. Both chambers are in session for the final day of veto session Thursday.
Subscribe to Illinois in Focus Daily with The Center Square on YouTube. You can also subscribe to the Illinois in Focus podcast to get the entire show uninterrupted.
Latest News Stories
WATCH: Pritzker: Will go to court ‘immediately’ if Trump deploys National Guard
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he will go to court if President Donald Trump sends the National...
Illinois quick hits: Madigan attempts another appeal; prison mail scanning rules proposed
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Madigan attempts another appeal Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is making another attempt to stay out of prison. Madigan filed...
IL US Rep: Failing schools cost billions in ‘epidemic’ of poor proficiency
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois congresswoman says students’ failure to learn basic reading and math has major economic consequences. During...
Plaintiffs weigh steps after appeals court upholds transit concealed carry ban
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Plaintiffs in a case challenging the prohibition of concealed carry on Illinois mass transit are reviewing their...
IL comptroller candidate touts experience, focuses on transparency
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A state representative running for Illinois comptroller says she’s got the life, professional and government service experience...
Everyday Economics: Jobs report takes center stage in week ahead
By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square The economy finds itself in an uncomfortable position where growth is cooling while inflation pressures intensify. The Fed's preferred inflation measure (PCE) shows core inflation...
Legislator warns bad Illinois policy continues to hurt business investment
By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – With businesses in Illinois now suffering on multiple levels, state Rep. Brad Halbrook argues it’s clear...
As summer ends, budget battles and investigations await
By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square While Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer for many, it’s also the final day of Congress’ August recess, with lawmakers returning to Washington...
Congress to face mounting pressure to act on future of D.C.
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square When Congress reconvenes following the Labor Day holiday, it will likely be pressured to extend Washington, D.C.’s state of emergency and take up legislation on...
Trump says appeals court ruling rejecting tariffs ‘highly partisan’
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump lashed out Friday night after a federal appeals court said he didn't have the power to issue the sweeping tariffs central to...
DOJ urges federal judge to strike down climate change law
By Chris WadeThe Center Square The Trump administration is asking a federal judge to invalidate a New York law that seeks to punish fossil fuel companies for their alleged role...
WATCH: Newsom deploys state police to help local law enforcement
By Dave MasonThe Center Square New California Highway Patrol teams will work with local law enforcement to fight crime in Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area,...
Appeals court rejects Trump’s tariffs, but leaves them in place
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square A federal appeals court said Friday that President Donald Trump doesn't have the authority to issue blanket tariffs, in a blow to the president's domestic...
