Sangamon Sun

Applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are now open. This program provides financial assistance to eligible households for natural gas, propane, electricity bills, and furnace aid. Applications will be accepted until August 15, 2025, or until funds run out. Last year, over 333,000 households benefited from LIHEAP with an average support of over $724 per household. Residents can apply at helpillinoisfamilies.com or call 1-833-711-0374 for multilingual assistance.

In other news, former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan is set to face a federal corruption trial at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse. Known as a powerful figure in Springfield politics for decades, Madigan's trial marks the culmination of a decade-long FBI investigation. The prosecution aims to prove his involvement in a racketeering conspiracy alongside Michael McClain, who was previously convicted of bribery related to Madigan.

A report by the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (CGFA) highlights a decline in state revenue based on data from September 2024 compared to the previous year. General funds receipts dropped by $657 million year-over-year due to decreases in corporate income tax and sales tax payments. Economic concerns have led to interest rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve which may impact state income further.

The shoreline-preservation project at Illinois Beach State Park has been completed successfully. The $73 million initiative aims to protect Lake Michigan's beaches from erosion through riprap breakwaters and sand replenishment efforts.

Illinois maintains its status as the leading pumpkin-producing state in the U.S., contributing over 650 million pounds annually—nearly 40% of national production. The state's rich soil supports major processing plants like Nestle Libby in Morton and Seneca Foods in Princeville, producing canned pumpkins used nationwide.