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
Future Quarry Fight Looms as Board Approves ‘Tequila Barrel’ Retreat
While the Will County Board greenlit a unique tourist destination featuring overnight stays in repurposed tequila barrels, it also received formal notice of a coming fight to shut down a...
News Briefs from the Will County Board June 18 Meeting
Monee Church Designated Historic LandmarkThe Will County Board unanimously voted to designate St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Monee as a historical landmark. Member Judy Ogalla, a Monee native,...
Frankfort Approves Outdoor Patios for The Loft and Grounded Coffee Bar, Waives All Parking Requirements
Downtown Frankfort is set to expand its outdoor dining options after the Village Board on Monday approved plans for new patios at two adjacent businesses, The Loft and Grounded Coffee...
Frankfort Police Department to Get Four New Vehicles in Fleet Upgrade
FRANKFORT, Ill. – The Frankfort Police Department will be updating its aging fleet after the Village Board approved the purchase of four new vehicles for a total cost not to...
Indoor Pickleball Facility ‘Pickled!’ Gets Green Light in Frankfort
A new indoor pickleball facility named "Pickled!" is set to open in Frankfort after the Village Board granted a special use permit for the business at its Monday meeting. The...
Frankfort to Install Public Wi-Fi at Breidert Green
Visitors to Breidert Green in downtown Frankfort will soon have access to free public wireless internet. The Village Board on Monday approved the purchase and installation of Wi-Fi equipment to...
Frankfort Board Approves Indoor Recreation Facility and Setback Variance
The Frankfort Village Board gave its approval to two separate development projects Monday night, clearing the way for a new indoor pickleball facility and a residential addition. Trustees unanimously granted...
Meeting Briefs: Frankfort Village Board for June 16, 2025
Downtown Patios Approved, Parking Waived: The Village Board approved outdoor seating for The Loft and Grounded Coffee Bar on Ash Street. To support the downtown businesses, trustees also voted to waive...
Mokena Fire District Approves Annual Budget After Public Hearing
The Mokena Fire Protection District Board of Trustees unanimously adopted its budget and appropriation ordinance for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, finalizing the district’s spending plan after a formal public hearing...
Mokena Fire District Faces 14% Insurance Hike, Renews Policies
The Mokena Fire Protection District is grappling with significant increases in insurance costs, with its property and liability policy renewal rate jumping by approximately 14%. The Board of Trustees unanimously...
Fire District Inks New Banking Agreement with Old Plank Trail
The Mokena Fire Protection District Board of Trustees has approved a new two-year banking agreement with Old Plank Trail, a move aimed at securing favorable rates amid a volatile market....
Meeting Briefs: Mokena Fire Protection District for June 10, 2025
The Mokena Fire Protection District Board of Trustees formally adopted its budget and appropriation ordinance for the 2025-2026 fiscal year following a public hearing. With no members of the public...
Mental Health Board Awards $5 Million in Grants to Will County Organizations
The Will County Community Mental Health Board has distributed over $5 million in grants to 39 local organizations, marking the completion of its inaugural funding cycle since voters approved the...
Frankfort Square Park District Adopts Budget and Appropriation Ordinance, Updates Financial Policy
The Frankfort Square Park District Board of Commissioners formally adopted its Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the 2025-2026 fiscal year on Thursday, finalizing the district's legal spending authority for the...
County Board Approves Major Code Updates, Discusses Employee Benefits
The Will County Board Executive Committee approved several ordinance updates Wednesday while engaging in detailed discussions about employee compensation and benefits. The committee passed ordinances updating three chapters of the...