WATCH: Debate around which tax to increase; pension enhancements, energy bills advance
October 30, 2025/
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop reviews the ongoing debate at the Illinois Statehouse about which taxes to increase during the final days of fall veto session. Among the proposals are an “amusement tax,” a retail delivery tax and decoupling Illinois tax code from the federal tax code.
Bishop also reviews several measures advancing through the legislature, including a pension reform measure that passed an Illinois House committee and an energy measure focused on renewables that passed the Illinois House. Both chambers are in session for the final day of veto session Thursday.
Subscribe to Illinois in Focus Daily with The Center Square on YouTube. You can also subscribe to the Illinois in Focus podcast to get the entire show uninterrupted.
Today Jul 21
75° 54°
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Election 2026: Prisoners in historic release by Cooper consistent in pattern
By Alan WootenThe Center Square More than 700 prisoners released in addition to U.S. Senate candidate Roy Cooper’s historic settlement-based 3,500 have a pattern consistent with either homicide, sex offenses,...
Secretary of State says insurance reforms are not political
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias says he is offended by a state lawmaker’s suggestion that Giannoulias...
Details show speaker delayed lawmaker misconduct action
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – New investigative reporting revealed last week that Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch knew of misconduct by...
Man suspected of using ‘incendiary device’ arrested outside NYC immigration court
By Chris WadeThe Center Square A man is in custody after allegedly setting off an "incendiary device" outside a federal immigration court building in New York City Monday morning, authorities...
Gubernatorial candidate calls for leadership overhaul, prison reforms
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Independent Illinois gubernatorial candidate Collin Corbett says persistent staffing shortages, aging equipment and what he describes...
U.S. Supreme Court to hear Alaska plane confiscation case
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a case over whether an Alaskan pilot's plane can be seized after he transported alcohol into a town...
Illinois news in brief: Chicago police review Illinois Accountability Commission report; Granite City man sentenced for transporting minor in sex assault case; Report finds Illinois’ AI careers rank 34th in nation
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Chicago police review Illinois Accountability Commission report Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration is encouraging people whose experiences are described in the...
Service member killed in action; remains found in search for one missing
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Another U.S. service member has been killed following Iranian strikes in the Middle East, as remains were found in the search for a missing military...
Second family welcomes baby boy
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square And the new baby makes six – Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance welcomed a baby boy Sunday morning. The vice president...
Everyday Economics: Falling gas prices helped keep consumers spending
By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square Inflation fell more than expected in June. That gave consumers some breathing room, and they kept spending – even if they became more selective about...
Illinois may bring early warning of toll costs ahead of proposed rate hike
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – While Illinois contemplates raising prices on tollways across the state, one state lawmaker wants increased transparency for...
Illinois senator says True Value move highlights business climate concerns
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois state Sen. Chris Balkema said True Value’s decision to move its headquarters from Chicago to...
Two services members killed, one missing in Iranian strike
By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Two U.S. service members have been killed in action, and one remains missing following an Iranian missile strike in Jordan, U.S. Central Command announced Saturday...
