Sangamon Sun

In Illinois, a new law allowing noncitizens to obtain standardized driver's licenses and IDs has resulted in over 155,000 such documents being issued since its implementation in July. This law replaces the Temporary Visitor Driver’s License with a version that includes a red banner and states "Federal Limits Apply." According to Max Walczyk from the Illinois Secretary of State's office, 49,852 state IDs and 106,026 driver’s licenses have been issued under this initiative. House Bill 3882, which facilitated this change, was passed without support from House Republicans.

Illinois is also facing significant challenges with its pension liabilities. The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability reported that the state's unfunded pension liabilities reached $143.7 billion at the end of Fiscal Year 2024. This figure represents an increase from the previous year and is just below the record deficit of $144.2 billion seen in FY20. The Teachers Retirement System accounts for more than half of these liabilities with $82.9 billion.

The report highlights that none of the five state-managed pension systems are funded at even half of their required levels based on actuarial standards. These systems cover various public-sector employees including teachers, state employees, judges, and legislators. The funding ratios range from 46.3% for TRS to only 24.6% for retired lawmakers' pensions.

These unfunded liabilities pose potential risks to Illinois' credit rating, which currently stands at single-A with major credit agencies—a rating lower than most U.S. states.

Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Tony McCombie recently visited Israel as part of a Midwest Delegation organized by Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During her visit, she met with Knesset leaders and toured significant sites in Jerusalem. McCombie expressed her support for Israel amidst ongoing tensions following attacks by Hamas over a year ago: “I am grateful to have the opportunity to be in Israel and show my unequivocal support at such a pivotal time."