Sangamon Sun

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that corn and soybean crops in Illinois are progressing towards harvest, with favorable conditions observed in late August. According to the report, 71% of Illinois cornfields and 68% of soybean fields were rated as good-to-excellent during the week ending September 1. However, pasture conditions were less favorable, with only 52% of grass fields in good-to-excellent condition due to ongoing droughts in southern Illinois.

The General Assembly's monitor has reported largely flat state revenues for August 2024. State general funds revenues totaled $3,485 million, marking a modest increase from $3,435 million in August 2023. Despite this increase, real state income has declined due to inflation outpacing revenue growth. Personal income tax receipts fell by $54 million compared to the previous year, which could be attributed to rising unemployment rates in Illinois.

Springfield is preparing to sell $1.7 billion in state "general obligation" debt before October 1. This issuance includes both new and rollover debt and comes amidst low credit ratings for Illinois from Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch.

San Damiano College for the Trades is set to open in Central Illinois by fall 2025. The college will focus on skilled trades such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical contracting within a Catholic educational framework.

House Republicans are addressing delays in issuing state licenses through a comprehensive plan led by House Minority Leader Tony McCombie. The plan aims to update outdated systems at the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), which has been blamed for significant delays due to "computer problems."

A new mandate banning small single-use plastic bottles in hotel guest rooms will take effect on January 1, 2026. The law aims to reduce landfill waste but has faced opposition from House Republicans who view it as an intrusive measure on small businesses.