Illinois quick hits: Former governor proposes millionaire's surcharge; digital state ID launched

Illinois quick hits: Former governor proposes millionaire’s surcharge; digital state ID launched

November 18, 2025/
Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Former governor proposes millionaire’s surcharge

Former Gov. Pat Quinn is pushing for a state constitutional amendment requiring Illinois millionaires to pay a 3% surcharge on their income tax returns.

The former governor said the millionaire’s tax would go to support a $4.5 billion property tax relief fund.

Quinn launched the campaign Tuesday outside the Cook County Treasurer’s Office in Chicago.

Digital state ID launched

Starting Wednesday, Illinois residents can add their Illinois-issued driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet and present their ID using their iPhone and Apple Watch.

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said, for now, Illinois residents must continue to carry their physical ID.

Illinois joins 12 other states and the territory of Puerto Rico by offering driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet.

Money laundering charges

The founder of a Chicago cryptocurrency company has been indicted in an alleged $10 million money laundering conspiracy.

Prosecutors say Crypto Dispensers CEO Firas Isa, 36, of Frankfort, Illinois and his company, Virtual Assets, have both pleaded not guilty.

According to the indictment, Isa’s company operated a cash-to-cryptocurrency exchange business with crypto ATMs at various locations throughout the United States.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

WATCH: Millionaire tax critic says AGO, Dems played politics instead of protecting residents

By TJ MartinellThe Center Square Emails obtained by The Center Square between the Washington Attorney General and Democratic leaders show Nick Brown's staff was playing politics instead of protecting the...
IL Supreme Court can’t just oust judges over speech: New filing

IL Supreme Court can’t just oust judges over speech: New filing

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square CHICAGO — The Illinois Supreme Court can't both overstep the bounds of their constitutional authority by ousting a judge for publicly supporting...
Illinois Republicans say Dems' redistricting amendment would create more corrupt maps

Illinois Republicans say Dems’ redistricting amendment would create more corrupt maps

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A newly proposed Illinois constitutional amendment would change the way legislative and representative districts are drawn in...
Vote postponed on Southwest congressmen's wildfire bill

Vote postponed on Southwest congressmen’s wildfire bill

By Derek DraplinThe Center Square The Center Square) – Members of Congress debated a bill on Tuesday that would change how the federal government handles air quality monitoring influenced by...
Trump's $1.5 trillion military budget: What taxpayers are getting

Trump’s $1.5 trillion military budget: What taxpayers are getting

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The Pentagon's top budget official said Tuesday that the agency's failure to pass eight consecutive audits shouldn't stop Congress from approving the largest military budget...
DOJ indicts Southern Poverty Law Center on wire, bank fraud charges

DOJ indicts Southern Poverty Law Center on wire, bank fraud charges

By Dan McCalebThe Center Square A federal grand jury on Tuesday indicted the Southern Poverty Law Center on 11 counts of wire and bank fraud and conspiracy to commit money...
Ceasefire extended, fractured Iranian government cited

Ceasefire extended, fractured Iranian government cited

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square With hours left before the two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran was set to expire, President Donald Trump has extended it, citing a “seriously...
Lawmakers call for AI in financial literacy, systems

Lawmakers call for AI in financial literacy, systems

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Lawmakers and industry leaders proposed implementing artificial intelligence to address gaps in financial literacy across the country. The lawmakers spoke at Axios’ Financial Confidence event...
FTC probe into APA urged over contradictory stances on gender-affirming care for minors

FTC probe into APA urged over contradictory stances on gender-affirming care for minors

By Tate MillerThe Center Square Medical group Do No Harm sent a letter Monday to the Federal Trade Commission urging an investigation into the American Psychological Association, accusing APA of...
Cherfilus-McCormick resigns from U.S. House

Cherfilus-McCormick resigns from U.S. House

By Merrilee GasserThe Center Square U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Democrat from Florida, resigned from Congress Tuesday minutes before a House Ethics Committee hearing that would have decided sanctions against...
International Energy Agency leader says energy crisis worst in history

International Energy Agency leader says energy crisis worst in history

By Alton WallaceThe Center Square The conflict between Iran and the United States and Israel is creating the worst energy crisis ever faced by the world, the head of the...
Republicans unveil budget resolution allotting up to $140 billion for ICE, CBP

Republicans unveil budget resolution allotting up to $140 billion for ICE, CBP

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square U.S. Senate Republicans released a blueprint for their immigration enforcement funding bill Tuesday, paving the way to reopen the Department of Homeland Security, which has...
Military spy budget surges 49%, details secret

Military spy budget surges 49%, details secret

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump's Pentagon requested $50 billion from taxpayers on Tuesday for a budget so secret that the military will only say how much it...
Illinois Quick Hits: CTA leader addresses transit security

Illinois Quick Hits: CTA leader addresses transit security

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Transit Authority Acting President Nora Leerhsen says the agency has increased law enforcement hours by 75%...
Advocacy groups respond to new executive order on psychedelics

Advocacy groups respond to new executive order on psychedelics

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square Some say President Donald Trump’s new executive order on psychedelics goes too far, while others say it’s a good first step, but more action is...