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Illinois is projected to face budget deficits in the coming years, according to the "Illinois Economic and Fiscal Policy Report" submitted by the Governor's Office of Management and Budget (GOMB). The report highlights the compounding increases in expenses, particularly in areas such as healthcare costs, pensions, and mandated education funding. The GOMB projects a rise in general funds budgeted spending, including pensions, from $48.3 billion in FY24 to almost $55.8 billion in FY29.

House Republicans have expressed concern that State spending has outpaced core revenue growth in recent years. The State has increasingly relied on one-time revenue sources to fund new and existing spending programs. The GOMB's five-year projection indicates that the projected structural State deficit will increase from $891 million in FY25 to $1,661 million in FY27. These deficit projections do not fully account for the possibility of an economic downturn, which could further reduce State tax revenues and widen the projected deficit.

To address these deficits, Illinois has been building up its Budget Stabilization Fund, often referred to as a "rainy day fund." The fund currently holds over $2 billion, which has been credited with helping the State avoid below-investment-grade debt status. However, the GOMB report notes that the $2 billion figure would cover less than 15 days of State spending on pensions and operating expenses based on current spending rates.

In other news, the first weekend of firearm deer harvest in Illinois showed an increase in the number of deer taken compared to the previous year. Licensed hunters reported the taking of 53,348 deer to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), a 2% increase from the comparable weekend in 2022. While archery hunting has also gained popularity, the standard firearm weekends remain the most intense time slots in the Illinois fall deer hunt.

The Illinois State Police has taken steps to combat public-sector corruption by creating an online form for reporting criminal misconduct by elected officials and government employees. The Special Investigations Unit within the State Police has posted the citizen complaint form, which allows individuals to report incidents such as under-the-table payments or favors in exchange for governmental services. The form requires the reporting of the person's name and title, the county where the incident took place, and a summary of the alleged misconduct. While anonymity is allowed, contact information is required for potential follow-up by investigators.

Finally, Illinois is gearing up to celebrate the Christmas holiday season. The Illinois tourism department, "Enjoy Illinois," has curated a package of website pages to highlight the various holiday celebrations in the state. Communities across Illinois have organized Christmas-themed displays and celebrations, and Enjoy Illinois has put together itineraries and travel suggestions for the suburban Chicago area, Downstate Illinois, and the city of Chicago. Additionally, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa will also be celebrated, with specific dates and cultural significance outlined by the tourism department.

These are the latest updates from Illinois, covering budget projections, outdoor sports, government initiatives, and holiday celebrations.

To find out more, go to this link: https://reprosenthal.com/2023/12/01/recap-with-rosenthal-10/