Sangamon Sun

In the wake of the tragic shooting at a recent political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13, law enforcement officials are reaffirming confidence in security protocols for the upcoming Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago.

During the political rally for former President Donald Trump, a gunman fired several shots, killing one spectator and injuring three others, including the former president.

Considering this act of violence, the Chicago Police Department (CPD) has announced they are confident in their security protocols but will adjust resources as needed at the DNC, which will be held at Chicago’s United Center from August 19-22. The United Center and its immediate vicinity will be overseen by the Secret Service while the CPD will secure areas outside of the Secret Service’s purview.

Almost 5,000 delegates from across the country will travel to Chicago, along with an estimated 50,000 visitors for the 2024 DNC. In addition, President Biden has announced that he will not seek the Democratic nomination for president.

“The recent attack on President Trump, which sadly resulted in the death of one man and injuries to others, shows just how dangerous our divided political climate has become,” said Sen. Bennett. “My thoughts and prayers go out to President Trump, the other victims and their families. Violence against any public official is never acceptable regardless of political beliefs. God bless those affected and our country.”

Earlier this month, Illinois began a sharp tax increase on its sportsbooks, with rates more than doubling for some operators.

This tax hike introduces a progressive tax system to Illinois’ robust sports betting industry. Under the new tax system, the industry will move away from a flat 15% rate to a graduated structure ranging from 20% for its lowest-earning sportsbooks to up to 40% for high-end earners. This change is expected to impact both sportsbook operators and everyday bettors in the state.

During the spring legislative session, Senate Republicans voiced strong opposition to the new tax rates for Illinois sportsbooks, arguing that increased taxes could harm both the industry and casual bettors. Republican lawmakers were also concerned that higher rates could drive operators out of state and reduce sports betting options available to Illinois consumers.

When initially proposed, some major players in sports betting such as FanDuel threatened to leave Illinois if the new tax structure was implemented but have since reevaluated. However, concerns remain that these tax hikes may result in negative outcomes for residents with major gaming outfits potentially reallocating marketing budgets elsewhere and offering fewer promotional opportunities for Illinois bettors.

Senate Republicans are partnering with the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office to bring ICASH events to communities across Illinois, helping residents identify and reclaim unclaimed property held by the Treasurer’s Office. Since 2015, over $2 billion in assets have been returned to residents through these efforts.

According to the Treasurer’s website, unclaimed property includes abandoned intangible assets such as checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, overpayments insurance checks payroll checks utility refunds money orders un-cashed checks dividends stocks bonds contents safe deposit boxes among other things

Senator Bennett along with other Senate Republicans are committed to continuing these ICASH events throughout Illinois providing local access ICASH services assisting residents claiming rightful property process free charge requiring only proper identification return property

The next ICASH Event with Senator Tom Bennett is September 10th from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Metamora Village Hall

For more information searches interested individuals can visit Illinois unclaimed property official state site

As of now State Illinois owes $65416381828 state vendors including pending vouchers figure represents amount bills submitted office Comptroller awaiting payment does not include debts estimated unfunded pension liability subject wide range factors estimated more than $139 billion same time last year states accounts payable stood little less than $2 billion

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