In this issue:
- New state laws took effect on July 1
- Illinois’ unemployment rate holds steady
- Nominations open for Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame
- Drive safely around the tall corn
New state laws took effect on July 1
More than a dozen new state laws took effect on July 1, including the creation of a new state agency for children and a new law to address contraband in state prisons.
The Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) was created by bipartisan legislation passed in 2024. It consolidates into one department several different state agencies and programs dealing with early childhood services which had previously been spread throughout state government. Early intervention programs and funding and oversight of preschools and childcare centers will be among the new department’s responsibilities.
As director for the new department, Governor Pritzker has appointed Teresa Ramos, a former childcare advocate who has worked on education policy in the governor’s office.
Another new law which is now in effect has to do with the way the Department of Corrections (DOC) reports on contraband. DOC was in the news recently over dangerous contraband being smuggled into state prisons and causing serious health complications for staff who were exposed to it.
Under this new law, DOC will be required to annually report information about the kinds of contraband which are discovered in state prisons and how it got there. The Department will also report on any disciplinary action which it took in response to the case and whether any staff members required hospitalization or any other medical response.
Illinois unemployment rate holds steady
The unemployment rate in Illinois held at 5.1% in May, unchanged from April, but 0.7% higher than where it stood one year before.
Nonfarm payroll jobs declined by 2300 compared to the same time last year. Some sectors of the economy saw improvement in May, including Private Education and Health Services, which went up by 18,800, and Construction which improved by 8100 jobs. Declines were seen in Professional and Business Services, which fell by 17,900 jobs and Financial Activities which was down by 11,800.
In total, there were 336,300 unemployed Illinoisans in May.
Nominations open for Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame
The Illinois Conservation Foundation has opened nominations for its 2026 class of the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame.
The Outdoor Hall of Fame recognizes Illinoisans for “significant contributions and unparalleled dedication in preserving, promoting, enhancing or supporting natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities.” Inductees will be recognized at the ICF’s annual Hall of Fame gala.
Nominations are due by July 15. Click here to find out more.
Drive safely around the tall corn
The corn has officially reached its annual goal of blocking everyone’s view. Drivers need to exercise extra caution on our rural roads this time of year.
The corn may be knee-high, or way over your head by now, but remember—it creates blind intersections on country roads.
Slow down.
Stop before pulling out.
Look twice… then look again.
Put the phone away.
Be patient with farmers moving equipment.
A few extra seconds could save a life.
Let’s make sure everyone makes it home safely this harvest season. Share this reminder with your family and friends—because no ear of corn is worth risking a life!
Drive like your favorite person is in the passenger seat holding a crockpot of baked beans.
Our current bill backlog
When a vendor provides the state with goods and services, they submit the bill to the Illinois Comptroller for payment. The Comptroller processes the paperwork and pays the bill when funds are available in the state’s checking account. Currently the total amount of unpaid bills is $2,282,516,378. This figure changes daily. Last year at this time the state had $2.4 billion in bills awaiting payment. This only includes bills submitted to the Comptroller for payment, not unfunded debts like the state’s pension liability, which is well over $100 billion.
Illinois headlines
Team Illinois shines at 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, bringing home multiple medals
IDNR accepting OSLAD grant applications through August
New law expands optional use of cameras in long-term care facilities
IDOT: stay alert for crews, heavy equipment as peak roadside mowing period begins
Utility watchdog warns of rising water rates as regulators consider requests