State lawmakers are facing at least $4.2 billion lost in revenues for the upcoming budget, which kicks in July 1, and about $2 billion lost in the current budget, leaving the uncertainties to Washington, D.C. “We need to rely upon the federal government and its support for all the states in order for us to provide the services the people need,” Pritzker said in his daily briefing Wednesday.

However, the loss has not resulted in any halts in construction or layoffs at the agency, officials said.

“I was elected and took an oath as your sheriff to enforce the laws and protect your constitutional rights,” Sheriff Dwight Baird said. “The governor’s executive order is not a law.”

The only description of what discussion on the topic could include is listed under “supporting rationale,” which argues Pritzker is not justified in requiring the entire state abide by the same rules when it comes to reopening.

As of Tuesday night, 4,562 people were hospitalized with coronavirus with 1,208 people in the ICU and 714 patients on ventilators.

The proposed plan, which Peoria officials have dubbed “Restore Heart of Illinois,” seeks to amend Pritzker’s 4-region “Restore Illinois” plan by carving out an 11-county area within the 27-county North-Central region, which would include the metropolitan centers of Peoria and Bloomington.

Lawmakers are expected to take up issues related to the state budget, COVID-19, laws with upcoming sunsets, and election matters. They are being asked to take a pledge before returning, which includes a promise to wear masks and practice social distancing while in Springfield. They’ve also been asked to take a COVID-19 test before arriving.

Low-income Illinoisans would still send more than 14% of their income to state and local government under his plan – nearly $1,800 for a resident making $12,400 a year. That would stand as the highest tax burden on low-income residents in the Midwest and third highest in the nation.

This is a noticeable shift from the tone Pritzker has struck throughout the pandemic. He has previously stressed it will be up to local officials to enforce the stay-at-home order. Now, it appears the governor is ready to exercise his state policing powers.

The grade is based on the leadership of Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker, the analysis by the Committee to Unleash Prosperity and FreedomWorks reports. The report assessed the potential damage state actions are doing to the economic well-being of residents and in particular how late reopening dates may cause more severe economic downturns.

The $1,200 economic stimulus checks were sent to single adults making under $75,000 annually. And couples earning less than $150,000 each year received $2,400 checks, plus $500 for each of their dependent children. Individuals with higher earnings received less.

By comparison, only 54% thought the same about religious institutions.

The lawmakers are meeting May 20 in order to pass a budget, and will likely debate financial help for Illinois businesses and the unemployed. To maintain social distancing, the Senate will meet at the Capitol, while the House will meet at the Bank of Springfield center.

“We need to look rationally at the virus. Protecting the most vulnerable, particularly seniors in nursing homes and the dedicated health care professionals that care for them, is the most important priority. This can be accomplished without keeping our state and local economy on perpetual lockdown. “

Public pension plans lost a median 13.2% in the three months ended March 31, according to Wilshire Trust Universe Comparison Service data released Tuesday, slightly more than in the fourth quarter of 2008. March’s stock market plummet led to the biggest one-quarter drop in the 40 years the firm has been tracking. “It was a horrible quarter for all public funds,” said Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund Investment Chief Angela Miller-May.

Comment: Be sure to read the newly found written legal opinion from the Senior Assistant Attorney General Michael Luke, Chief, Opinions Bureau. So, why is the AG now arguing in court against that opinions which, as you will see, is clearly sensible?

Republican John Cabello had already sued over the stay-at-home order. On Tuesday, he filed a temporary restraining order, demanding that restaurants, bars and other businesses be allowed to reopen promptly.

“Restaurant owners don’t want customers getting sick from the virus. They revere their customers, who feed their dreams and feed their families. Smart owners never forget this. And they know another truth: Don’t anger the political class, because government holds that sword over all business, especially in Illinois.”

Thank you to ZeroHedge for publishing our article.

The county Board of Health on Tuesday voted overwhelmingly to approve the resolution, 26-2, becoming one of the first counties in Illinois to defy the statewide stay-at-home order.

“I hope the legislature will act expeditiously to support jobs and economic recovery,” he said.

Senators Rachelle Crowe and Christopher Belt and state Representatives Monica Bristow, Katie Stuart, Jay Hoffman, LaToya Greenwood and Nathan Reitz issued a letter to the governor: “We also propose that our region move to the next phase this Friday, May 15, as we currently meet the criteria to move forward, rather than waiting until the end of the month.”

Because such workers have not been eligible for unemployment in the past, the state had to partner with contractors to build a system for handling those claims, Pritzker said. The state also had to wait for funds from the federal government to pay the 1099 workers.

DeVore has advised the businesses to write letters to their local health boards, citing a portion of Pritzker’s order which says health officials have the authority to shut down businesses that violate Pritzker’s order if they’re determined to be public health risks. The letters go on to tell local health authorities that because the owners believe their businesses aren’t public health risks, they will reopen within 48 hours.