Illinois quick hits: Chicago treasurer to boycott U.S. securities to protest against Trump; Governor marks opening of new union training center; Illinois farms expected to lose $67.2 million a year

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Treasurer to boycott U.S. Treasury securities to protest against Trump

Chicago’s finances may take another hit after City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin announced Wednesday that her office would boycott U.S. Treasury securities to protest against President Donald Trump’s administration. Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison said Conyears-Ervin’s move may have already cost the city millions in missed gains. Morrison said that the city had no clear replacement strategy for its investment in U.S. Treasury securities.

Governor marks opening of new union training center

Governor J.B. Pritzker joined the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 2 Chicago Stagehands on Thursday to mark the opening of the labor union’s new training center, which was supported by a $5 million grant from state taxpayers. Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, and state Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, joined Pritzker and local union leaders for the announcement.

Illinois farms expected to lose $67.2 million a year

According to a recent study, Illinois farms are expected to lose a total of about $67.2 million per year to natural disasters, with an average per-farm loss of $960. Trace One found that drought causes far more economic losses for the agriculture industry in Illinois and nationwide. California had 14 of the top 15 counties with the highest expected annual losses. No Illinois counties ranked in the top 100 for the highest expected losses.