Get the latest news from around Illinois.
Rockford Register Star: Illinois sees fourth lowest voter turnout for midterm elections in last 40 years
The 2022 midterm election results in Illinois have been certified by the Illinois State Board of Elections.
More than 4.1 million voters cast ballots for the Nov. 8 election for a statewide turnout of 51.06%, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections.
The Center Square: Illinois House approves extensions of tax increment finance districts
Illinois lawmakers have approved the extension of tax increment finance, or TIF, districts throughout the state.
A TIF district sets aside the increment of increased property taxes from increased values over time in a separate fund that is then used to subsidize public and private developments in the district with the aim of increasing overall property values in that area. Illinois’ TIF program gives districts 23 years of operation, unless it’s extended.
Capitol News Illinois: Tax credits, prison reform pass in veto session
Illinois lawmakers last week passed significant legislation dealing with electric vehicle manufacturing incentives and the availability of hygiene products for prisoners in the state’s correctional system.
But some weightier issues, including a possible assault weapons ban, will wait until a lame duck session scheduled for early January.
Chicago Tribune: Will property tax bills be late again next year? Muddy picture frustrates commissioners, offers challenge for fresh faces
Property taxpayers in Cook County who were upset that their bills landed roughly four months later than usual have little clarity about the timing of next year’s bills, as county commissioners were told last month that a key technology upgrade meant to speed the bill process along is unlikely to be finished before the end of 2023.
It will be a top issue confronting the new Board of Review commissioners who were sworn in Monday and who could potentially help thaw the icy relations between the three-member board and leadership in the county assessor’s office.
Daily Herald: Citing work on Bears project, Arlington Heights board awards village manager 7% raise
Arlington Heights Village Manager Randy Recklaus received a 7% pay raise Monday night from the village board, who cited his oversight of the proposed Chicago Bears redevelopment project at Arlington Park as one key factor to award the additional compensation.
Recklaus, who was hired to oversee day-to-day operations of the municipal government in November 2014, will receive an annual base salary of $263,272, under a resolution approved unanimously by the nine-member elected board. He will also get an automobile allowance of $100 more per month, from $500 to $600.
Belleville News-Democrat: St. Clair County public defender’s office ‘collapsing.’ Here’s why, chief defender says.
The St. Clair County public defender’s office is “collapsing,” according to the official in charge.
Chief Public Defender Cathy MacElroy has started the process of asking the 20th Judicial Circuit court to allow her office to withdraw from cases due to lack of funds and lack of attorneys. She insists that she has no choice.