New Transit Law Raises Costs and Redirects Revenue to Chicago
Governor Pritzker has signed Senate Bill 2111, a wide-ranging transit law that raises taxes and reallocates state revenue to support Chicago area transit agencies. This includes higher sales taxes for suburban communities and increased financial pressure on families that rely on toll roads or commute long distances.
For downstate communities, the law redirects millions of dollars of motor fuel sales tax revenue away from local road projects and sends those dollars to Chicago. Many communities that rely on this funding for road repairs and infrastructure improvements will face new challenges as a result.
Critics argue that the law places the burden of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s transit problems on families who do not use the system and who are already struggling with rising costs.
State Senator Terri Bryant says the law deepens the divide between Chicago and the rest of the state by placing new financial burdens on communities that gain nothing from the changes. She says families should not be asked to pay for a system they do not rely on while their own transportation needs go unmet.
Pritzker Signs Controversial Assisted Suicide Law
Last week, Governor Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1950, which allows terminally ill adults to request medication that will end their lives. The law permits the medication to be taken without a doctor being present and does not establish clear requirements for securing or recovering leftover doses.
Critics warn that the law exposes seniors and disabled individuals to new risks, since many may feel pressure to choose this option out of fear of being a burden. Concerns remain about oversight, patient safety, and the absence of meaningful safeguards.
With the Governor’s signature, Illinois becomes one of a small number of states that permit physician-assisted suicide. Many believe the state should have focused on expanding palliative care, hospice access, and mental health resources instead of creating a process that cannot be reversed.
State Senator Terri Bryant says the state should never adopt policies that erode trust in the care system or leave vulnerable residents questioning their value. She says Illinois can do better by strengthening support networks and ensuring no one feels their only option is to end their life.
Governor Signs Controversial “Decoupling Bill,” Raising Taxes on Illinois Job Creators
On Friday, December 12, Governor Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1911 into law, finalizing a major tax increase on Illinois businesses, manufacturers, and other job creators. The new law “decouples” Illinois from federal tax relief measures that were designed to help employers grow and compete, effectively raising taxes at a time when many businesses are already struggling to survive.
Critics warn that this new policy will make Illinois even less competitive compared to other states that are cutting taxes and attracting new investment. They note that Illinois already faces one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation and say this tax hike sends a clear message that the state is moving in the wrong direction.
State Senator Terri Bryant says the Governor’s decision prioritizes short-term revenue over long-term economic stability. She believes this so-called “decoupling” will raise costs, drive business opportunities out of the state, and make it harder for families to get ahead at a time when Illinois should be focused on growth and competitiveness.
State Fire Marshal Reminds Illinois Residents of Holiday Fire Safety Risks
With holiday festivities underway, the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and its fire safety partners are reminding Illinois residents to keep fire safety at the top of their holiday checklist as they decorate and gather with family and friends in the coming weeks.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more than one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles, and more than two of every five occur when decorations are placed too close to a heat source. Nationwide, fire departments respond to an estimated 832 home structure fires each year that begin with decorations, excluding Christmas trees. Meanwhile, between 2019 and 2023, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 145 Christmas tree fires per year.
To help Illinois families stay safe this season, OSFM and its partners shared the following fire safety tips:
- Be careful with holiday decorations. Make sure decorations are either flame-retardant or flame-resistant.
- Keep lit candles at least 12 inches away from decorations or anything that can catch fire.
- Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
- Extinguish all lit candles before going to bed or leaving the house.
- Check to make sure your lights are rated for indoor or outdoor use or both.
- Replace any light strands that have worn or broken cords. Make sure to read the recommendation for the number of light strings you can string together.
- Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
- If you have a real Christmas tree, make sure to check water levels daily.
- Keep real Christmas trees away from a heat source. It can dry out the tree quickly.
The OSFM is also hosting its annual Keep the Wreath Red Campaign from December 1 through January 2 at offices in Springfield and Chicago, as well as at the Quinn Fire Academy. The campaign raises awareness about holiday fire safety by replacing red wreath bulbs with white ones when a fire-related death occurs. Last year, 12 lives were lost in fire-related incidents in Illinois during the holiday season.