Sangamon Sun

Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, Sept. 10th, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

ICASH Event with Senator Tom Bennett

Metamora Village Hall, 102 N. Davenport St., Metamora, IL

Senator Tom Bennett Filed Legislation to Restore Critical Funding for Soil and Water Conservation Districts

In response to a significant reduction in funding for soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs) in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 budget, State Sen. Tom Bennett filed a bill aimed at restoring the $4 million cut in funding through the Partners for Conservation Fund. This initiative seeks to ensure that these districts receive the necessary support to continue their essential work in protecting and conserving natural resources.

“Funding for soil and water conservation districts is not just an investment in our environment but also in our future,” said Senator Bennett. “These districts are on the front lines of preserving our natural resources, ensuring clean water, and supporting sustainable agriculture.”

The FY25 budget reduced funding for SWCDs by $4 million compared to FY24 appropriations. This reduction threatens to undermine the districts’ ability to effectively manage soil erosion, improve water quality, and maintain sustainable agricultural practices.

Senate Bill 3964, filed by Senator Bennett, addresses this issue by appropriating funds through the Partners for Conservation Fund and emphasizing the critical role SWCDs play in environmental preservation.

“By restoring funding to our soil and water conservation districts, we are laying the groundwork for a healthier environment and stronger communities,” said Senator Bennett.

Illinois Receives Nearly Half a Billion Dollars in Federal Pollution Reduction Grant

The State of Illinois was recently awarded more than $430 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) under its Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program application. The funding will be utilized for building and industry decarbonization, freight electrification, climate-smart agriculture, and renewable energy deployment.

According to the state’s grant application, projects will include:

- $115 million for heavy-duty vehicle electrification,

- $172 million to improve access and affordability for clean building technologies,

- More than $111 million allocated similarly.

The U.S. EPA stated that these projects would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 971 million metric tons by 2050, equivalent to the emissions of about five million homes over 25 years. The grant will help support costs associated with Illinois' goal of reaching 100 percent carbon-free power by 2045.

Nearly 300 applications were submitted nationwide for project implementation grants; only 25 grants totaling $4.3 billion were awarded by the U.S. EPA. The State of Illinois received the third-largest grant award.

Illinois DMV Services Disrupted by Global Technology Outage

A global technology outage affected all 138 DMV locations in Illinois recently, disrupting services across the state.

A routine update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike to Microsoft on its Windows devices triggered a national technological outage on July 19. This led to widespread chaos affecting businesses globally including airports, banks, retail stores, and law enforcement agencies. This incident highlighted vulnerabilities within computerized systems heavily reliant on suppliers such as Microsoft.

Illinois residents are advised to verify operational status at desired DMV facilities by calling 800-252-8980 or visiting www.ilsos.gov for online services completion.

State Financial Status

As of this writing, Illinois owes $902,552,616.63 to state vendors with approximately 10,397 pending vouchers awaiting payment submission at the Comptroller's office—excluding debts like unfunded pension liabilities estimated over $139 billion last year when accounts payable stood under $2 billion.

Weather Incidents Update

This year Illinois experienced over 100 tornado incidents doubling its typical annual average highlighting escalating regional weather volatility; notably earlier this month Chicago's National Weather Service issued sixteen tornado warnings within one day marking highest since '04 according IEMA urging residents preparedness against floods/tornadoes/severe thunderstorms anytime via IEMA website guidelines/resources available online accordingly per Senate Republicans advice emphasized therein likewise iteratively too hereby henceforth continually onwards respectively indeed duly thusly reiteratively so forth indefinitely etcetera et al etc...

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