It’s also unclear what it could cost to comply with Social Security standards if nothing is done. “I’ve seen several estimates, let’s just call it three to $6 billion total over a 20-plus year period,” Gov. JB Pritzker said. “So that is something that has to be done.” Separately, Wirepoints President Ted Dabrowski said the conversation should be about cutting the costs, not increasing benefits.

“The false appearance of oversight might be worse than none at all because it sets up one more government institution which people have no reason to trust,” Chicago Inspector General Deborah Witzburg said. “This is exactly why the independence of oversight agencies must be so fiercely guarded. Whenever the overseen are able to control oversight, we ought to be worried about whether it is a facade.”

Gov. JB Pritzker said he understands the debate about politicians using campaign funds against allegations of corruption. “I understand when you’re a public official, people sometimes get accused improperly. I’m not suggesting that’s the case here, but sometimes they get accused or end up on trial for something they didn’t do.”

Mark Fowler is the Executive Director of the Northwest Municipal Conference, which represents cities in the north and northwest suburbs of Chicago. He said the proposals would undo critical reforms that stabilized the state’s pension systems and potential lead to tax increases. “Struggling local governments would need to impose substantial property tax hikes, find alternative revenue streams or cut other services to meet this financial burden,” Fowler said.

“House Speaker Chris Welch said he is telling fellow Democrats to not ‘come in the door looking to spend more money.’ The Governor’s Office of Management & Budget ‘has said we have a $3.1 billion deficit, and we start there,’ Welch said. … Senate President Don Harmon was less apocalyptic than Welch, noting that ‘we have seen worse projections in our time in Springfield.'”

Liberty Steel and Natural Fiber Welding recently announced furlough layoffs, right before the new year.

Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said the Illinois Trust Act prevents law enforcement agencies within the state from assisting with the application of federal law, including immigration regulations. And District 60 Board of Education President Brandon Ewing said the district recently reaffirmed its safe-haven resolution, letting families know the school is a safe environment.

Wednesday, Gov. JB Pritzker signed an Executive Order ordering legislators to examine ways to make housing more affordable for working-class residents. The order creates an Illinois Director of Housing Solutions, who will oversee the exploration of “how Illinois can accelerate plans to expand the supply and access of housing for working families,” according to the Governor’s Office.

American Enterprise Institute Senior Fellow Edward J. Pinto attributes this “blue state exodus” to progressive policies, with high crime, unaffordable housing, high taxes, and rising levels of homelessness and unemployment driving away residents.

House Bill 4293, which originally dealt with regulation of massage therapists, passed out of the House last spring and was sent to the Senate where it was stripped of its original language and replaced with new language regulating intoxicating hemp-derived products.

It’s critical that grid operators and state regulators consider and implement all transmission technology tools when planning and building a system that will enhance national security, facilitate regional economic development, and withstand new and growing reliability threats for generations to come.