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State Journal-Register: Illinois sees lowest number of cases since March 22; Pritzker reiterates opposition to vax passports
Illinois saw yet another day of declining COVID-19 cases Monday, with the state’s lowest daily caseload since March 22.
The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 1,424 new cases with 12 new deaths, the lowest number of cases for the state since IDPH reported 1,220 cases on March 22, also a Monday, where lower caseloads are typically reported. In total, the state has reported 1,356,391 cases and 22,235 deaths.
Bond Buyer: Illinois budget debate heats up as deadline looms
With the clock ticking on the deadline to pass a state budget, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker removed one contentious issue from the table by agreeing to fund a scheduled $350 million increase in school aid.
In fiscal 2021, Pritzker had bypassed the scheduled $350 million annual increase required under the evidence-based formula adopted in 2017 and bypassed it again in his fiscal 2022 budget proposal as the COVID-19 pandemic loomed over the state’s already strained finances
NBC Chicago: Illinois Set to Move into Bridge Phase Friday. Here's What That Means For You
Currently in Phase 4 of its reopening plan, Illinois is preparing to enter the Bridge Phase at the end of this week, marking the start of a transitional period before the final Phase 5.
The Bridge Phase will begin Friday, allowing for higher capacity limits at places like museums, zoos and spectator events as well as increased business operations during a transitional period between the current guidelines and a full reopening.
FOX 32 Chicago: Pritzker announces new program to vaccinate Illinois office workers on the job
Illinois office workers will soon have a more convenient way of receiving the coronavirus vaccine.
Gov. JB Pritzker announced a new program on Monday for building workers and returning office staff to get vaccinated at the office.
The Center Square: Illinois lawmakers tout steps to save taxpayers money on unfunded pension liability
Members from both sides of the aisle at the Illinois statehouse say they’re taking small steps to save taxpayers on the $140-plus billion unfunded liability of public sector pensions.
State Sen. Robert Martwick, D-Chicago, said after the legislature changed the pension plans a decade ago from Tier I to a plan with fewer benefits, Tier II may not cut it for some retirees. He passed Senate Bill 1675 requiring more state employees to save more on their own through a deferred compensation plan.