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Metro East Sun

Saturday, May 18, 2024

Local Government News

Local Government

Jersey County taxpayers give $156,516 in County School Facility Tax in February

In February, Jersey County saw a decrease in County School Facility Tax collection compared to the previous month.

By Metro East Sun | May 17, 2024

Local Government

Bill aiding child trafficking victims awaits Governor's signature

Legislation designed to aid child victims of human trafficking in their recovery process has been unanimously passed by the Senate on Thursday. The bill, House Bill 5465, was carried by State Senator Erica Harriss and State Representative Jeff Keicher. It had previously been passed unanimously in the House and will now proceed to the Governor's desk for further consideration.

By Metro East Sun | May 17, 2024

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Local Government

Republicans sue over rapid changes to Illinois election law

By Metro East Sun | May 17, 2024

In a swift legislative move earlier this month, Illinois Democrats expedited a bill through the General Assembly to alter election rules mid-cycle. The bill was introduced, passed through both chambers, and signed into law in less than 48 hours, offering no opportunity for public review. As a result of this abrupt change, Republicans have initiated legal proceedings with the aim of having the law declared unconstitutional.

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Local Government

Illinois Republicans advocate for bipartisan student protection bill

By Metro East Sun | May 16, 2024

Illinois Republicans, Representative Amy Elik and Senator Terri Bryant, urged for action on a bipartisan bill designed to protect students during a press conference held on May 16, 2024. The legislators specifically discussed House Bill 4241, underscoring its importance in safeguarding the rights and welfare of students across the state.

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Local Government

Illinois legislators push for Senate action on House Bill 4241

By Metro East Sun | May 16, 2024

In a press conference held today in Springfield, Rep. Amy Elik (R-Alton) and Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) called on the Senate to take action on House Bill 4241. The bill, aimed at protecting high school students aged 18 and older from sexual abuse by an educator, passed unanimously in the House last month and is currently awaiting action in the Senate. Sen. Erica Harriss (R-Glen Carbon), who also attended the press conference, is a chief co-sponsor of the bill.

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Local Government

Harriss and Keicher's bill to tackle roadside trash problem awaits Governor's signature

By Metro East Sun | May 15, 2024

The issue of trash scattering from waste-hauling trucks on their way to landfills has become a common sight, causing not only aesthetic problems but also raising safety and environmental concerns. This issue has been particularly damaging for farmers' operations and fields. In response, State Senator Erica Harriss and State Representative Jeff Keicher have collaborated with local leaders in their respective districts to formulate legislation aimed at mitigating this problem.

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Local Government

Rep. Elik and Sen. Harriss attend Education Day at Lewis and Clark State Historic Site

By Metro East Sun | May 15, 2024

Last week, the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site in Hartford hosted its annual Education Day. Senator Erica Harriss and Representative Elik were among the attendees, witnessing hundreds of school children actively participating and gaining valuable knowledge. They had the opportunity to meet a representation of President Thomas Jefferson, who emphasized to the young minds that "education is the most important thing a free nation can offer its citizens."

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Local Government

Granite City ranks 83rd in total sales taxes paid in Illinois during February

By Metro East Sun | May 15, 2024

Granite City residents paid $898,290 in sales taxes, ranking 83rd in total sales taxes paid per municipality in February.

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Local Government

IDCEO announces $30 million in funding for community revitalization

By Metro East Sun | May 14, 2024

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (IDCEO) has announced the availability of $30 million in funding to rejuvenate commercial and downtown areas throughout the state. The Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets Capital (RDMS) program and the Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery (RISE) program aim to expedite local economic recovery efforts, offering support to communities grappling with economic challenges.

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Local Government

Illinois honors fallen firefighters at memorial ceremony in Springfield

By Metro East Sun | May 14, 2024

On May 14, 2024, a tribute was paid to the Illinois firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony took place in Springfield, honoring the bravery and sacrifice of these heroes. Their memory will not be forgotten.

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Local Government

St. Clair County residents paid 7th-largest sum in sales taxes in Illinois during February

By Metro East Sun | May 13, 2024

St. Clair County residents paid $3.8 million in sales taxes, the seventh highest total paid per county in February.

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Local Government

Legislator urges rejection of bill threatening jobs for developmentally disabled

By Metro East Sun | May 13, 2024

Throughout my tenure in Springfield, I have diligently represented the interests of those citizens in our state who live under state care, reside in Community Integrated Living Arrangements, and those developmentally disabled individuals performing light tasks at “14c Workshops” across the state.

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Local Government

Rep. Schmidt donates legislative pay raise to local food pantry

By Metro East Sun | May 13, 2024

State Representative Kevin Schmidt has pledged to donate his legislative pay raise, which he voted against, to various local community outreach efforts in his constituency. This month, the beneficiary of his generosity is the Zion Church of Christ Food Pantry in New Baden.

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Local Government

Honoring law enforcement's sacrifice during National Police Week

By Metro East Sun | May 13, 2024

National Police Week is a time to recognize and honor the remarkable sacrifices and contributions made by law enforcement officers across the nation. The dedication of these officers towards ensuring the safety of our communities is commendable. Their relentless service, often at great personal risk, deserves our gratitude and respect.

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Local Government

May marks Lyme Disease Awareness Month in the US

By Metro East Sun | May 13, 2024

May is recognized as Lyme Disease Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about the tickborne disease that impacts millions of Americans. The Illinois Lyme Association (illymeassociation.org) offers resources on how to identify, prevent, and treat Lyme Disease.

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Local Government

$167,090 in County Sales Tax collected in February for Madison County

By Metro East Sun | May 12, 2024

In February, Madison County saw a decrease in County Sales Tax collection compared to the previous month.

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Local Government

Governor proposes tax increases, threatens program cuts in Illinois

By Metro East Sun | May 10, 2024

Illinois Democrats have been criticized for utilizing one-time federal aid from the pandemic to support long-term spending on preferred projects and the expansion of state programs. As these pandemic funds have now predictably run out, the Governor is resorting to advocating for tax increases. Moreover, he is threatening cuts to state programs as a means to achieve his objectives.

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Local Government

St. Clair County collects $30,345 in Metro-East Mass Transit District Vehicle Fee Tax in February

By Metro East Sun | May 9, 2024

In February, St. Clair County saw a decrease in Metro-East Mass Transit District Vehicle Fee Tax collection compared to the previous month.

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Local Government

Prairie State taxes: Edwardsville residents rank 71st in total sales taxes paid for February

By Metro East Sun | May 9, 2024

Edwardsville residents paid $1 million in sales taxes, ranking 71st in total sales taxes paid per municipality in February.

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Local Government

Rep. Schmidt introduces Veterans Day Paid Leave Act

By Metro East Sun | May 9, 2024

State Representative Kevin Schmidt has introduced HB 4128, also known as the Veterans Day Paid Leave Act. The proposed legislation aims to honor and support the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces by ensuring that veterans employed in Illinois are granted a paid day off on Veterans Day, effective from January 1, 2025.