Sangamon Sun

Illinois residents continue to face significant increases in their cost of living. The latest report from Insurify reveals that Illinois’ car insurance rates have surged by 46% since 2023. Illinois now ranks among the top five states for year-over-year car insurance increases, adding financial strain on families already dealing with rising expenses and increased tax burdens.

The report also ranked Illinois fifth in the nation for car thefts last year alone. Senator Bennett noted that these rising costs are a consequence of the state’s failure to effectively address public safety, impacting the well-being and financial security of Illinois families.

These alarming insurance hikes are not the only financial burden Illinoisans face. The state continues to be the least tax-friendly state in the nation and has some of the highest property taxes in the country, further straining families trying to make ends meet.

Senate Republicans argue that hardworking taxpayers cannot continue to operate under these burdens, calling for reforms to protect both public safety and financial security during the upcoming fall veto session.

Senator Bennett was recently recognized as a “Champion of Manufacturing” in the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association’s (IMA) 2024 Legislative Report Card, which highlights lawmakers who consistently support Illinois’ manufacturing industry.

The IMA’s Report Card rates lawmakers based on their voting record on key bills impacting the state’s manufacturing sector. It showcases where lawmakers stand relative to supporting Illinois’ manufacturing economy and job creation.

With a voting record of 97%, Senator Bennett demonstrated strong commitment to supporting policies benefiting manufacturers and the broader business community in Illinois. As the manufacturing sector employs over 600,000 people in the state, ensuring manufacturers have a strong voice in Springfield helps safeguard a cornerstone of Illinois’ economy and major job creator.

State aging officials are organizing a series of roundtable discussions open to service providers, caregivers, older adults, and the general public. Over coming months, the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) is working with regional Area Agencies on Aging to host a dozen roundtable discussions statewide. These discussions aim to inform development of Illinois’ 2026-2028 State Plan on Aging—a strategic framework to improve quality of life for older adults, their families, and caregivers.

Several in-person roundtable discussions are scheduled across locations including Du Bois, Mt. Vernon, Quincy, Springfield, Peoria, Dixon, and Maywood. Additional talks—including virtual events—will be announced later this fall. Participants are encouraged to RSVP via IDoA's website.

As of this writing, State of Illinois owes $1,982,237,887.72 to state vendors including 16,905 pending vouchers. This figure represents bills submitted awaiting payment but does not include debts like unfunded pension liability estimated at over $139 billion.

Today is National Emergency Services Day—a time dedicated to honoring emergency service personnel such as firefighters and paramedics who serve on front lines protecting communities daily.

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