By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

State keeps more tax revenue, locals get less

Across Illinois, local governments have lost more than $10.9 billion in state income tax revenue since fiscal year 2012, while the state budget has ballooned since 2019.

An Illinois Policy Institute analysis found that state lawmakers’ decision to reduce local governments’ share of net income tax collections from 10% to less than 7% has cost municipalities over $9.49 billion and counties nearly $1.44 billion since fiscal year 2012.

Since Gov. J.B. Pritzker took office in 2019, state spending has increased $16 billion annually, or more than 40%.

Giannoulias warns of text scams

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias says his office will never contact residents by text about license or registration issues.

Giannoulias’ office released a statement saying recent scam texts claim the recipients’ vehicle registration or driving privileges are at risk of suspension and prompt immediate action through a link.

The secretary urged Illinoisans to remain vigilant and to report scam messages to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Freeze Fest begins

The Illinois State Museum is hosting its second annual Freeze Fest Friday and Saturday, Jan. 2 and 3, in downtown Springfield.

The event includes opportunities to launch snowballs, test a blubber glove in icy water, explore the northern lights, and warm up with hot chocolate. Admission is free.