New Study Shows Illinois Losing Young, High-Earning Professionals
Young professionals are rapidly becoming one of Illinois’ top exports according to new data from SmartAsset, which ranks Illinois among the top states losing millennials to more tax-friendly states.
The report ranked states based on how many young households earning $200,000 or more left in 2022. Illinois came in second, with 1,323 households between the ages of 26 and 35 choosing to move to more tax-friendly states.
Illinois’ high tax burden has long been cited as a major factor in driving residents out of state and compounding Illinois’ outmigration problem. Just this spring, Governor Pritzker signed nearly $1 billion in new taxes into law, primarily to fund spending on the migrant crisis he invited to the state.
State Senator Terri Bryant says that as long as the Governor and his allies continue pushing their misplaced priorities at the expense of working families, residents will continue to seek genuine relief elsewhere. They stress that state leaders need to recognize these trends and do more to protect families working daily just to make ends meet.
IDNR to Accept Agricultural Lease Bids for 2025-2029
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will soon accept sealed bids for approximately 30 agricultural lease contracts covering the 2025-2029 crop years. These leases are designed to enhance wildlife populations and improve recreational areas while promoting sustainable farming practices that benefit both the environment and wildlife habitats.
IDNR sites with available leases will be listed on BidBuy, Illinois’ official procurement site. A non-mandatory vendor conference will be held for each lease, with details included in the public notices.
IDNR encourages bidders to register on BidBuy using the appropriate NIGP codes for farming activities. Once registered, they will receive notifications about upcoming agricultural lease bid openings.
For more information and a list of available lease opportunities, click here.
National Farm Safety & Health Week
National Farm Safety and Health Week, observed from September 15 to 21, highlights the importance of safety in the agricultural industry.
This year’s theme, “Don’t Learn Safety by Accident,” stresses the need for farmers and communities to take a proactive approach to safety education. Each day focuses on a different aspect, including equipment safety, health and wellness, and reporting farm-related injuries.
With harvest time approaching, this week serves as a reminder to stay cautious and mindful of the risks associated with farming. In 2022 alone, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded 417 fatalities in agriculture, making it one of the most dangerous industries in the nation. Farmers continue to face hazards such as tractor accidents, roadway collisions, and confined space dangers.
Recognized since 1944, National Farm Safety and Health Week encourages farmers to adopt safer practices. By focusing on awareness and preparedness, the goal is to reduce accidents and protect those working in one of the nation’s essential industries.
For more information about the awareness week, visit the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety’s website.
State Officials Host Roundtables to Discuss Aging Issues and Policies
In an effort to address the growing needs of Illinois’ older adult population, state aging officials are organizing a series of roundtable discussions open to service providers, caregivers, older adults, and the general public.
Over the coming months, the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) is working with regional Area Agencies on Aging to host a dozen roundtable discussions statewide to inform the development of Illinois’ 2026-2028 State Plan on Aging. This plan is a strategic framework to improve and promote the quality of life for older adults, their families, and caregivers.
Several in-person roundtable discussions are scheduled across the state, with locations including Du Bois, Mt. Vernon, Quincy, Springfield, Peoria, Dixon, and Maywood. Additional talks, including virtual events, will be announced later in the fall.
Participants are encouraged to RSVP. For upcoming dates, locations, and contact information, visit the Illinois Department of Aging’s website.
The current State Plan on Aging, completed in July 2021, runs through federal fiscal year 2025.
Registering to Vote
With the general election just around the corner, now is the time for Illinois residents to learn more about the voting process and how to register. Whether you’re a first-time voter or need to update your information, voting is a way to make your voice heard in government.
Voter requirements in Illinois include:
- Being a U.S. citizen
- Living in your election precinct for at least 30 days prior to Election Day
- Being at least 18 years old by the date of the general election
Individuals serving a sentence in a penal institution are not permitted to vote, and voters may only claim the right to vote in one location.
For those who need to check their registration status or want to register to vote, visit the Illinois Online Voter Registration Application Website.
Mt. Carmel Senior Health Fair
State Senator Terri Bryant and State Representative are hosting a free Senior Health Fair at the Mt. Carmel Senior Center on September 27th from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
A variety of local vendors will be on hand to discuss programs and services that benefit seniors. Legislative brochures will also be available.
