Illinois Quick Hits: Red Line funds ordered to be unfrozen

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is hailing a federal judge’s ruling that directs the Trump administration to unfreeze nearly $2 billion U.S. taxpayer dollars that were allocated to support the Chicago Transit Authority’s Red Line Extension project.

The ruling Tuesday followed a move by the U.S. Department of Transportation last October to place the funding under review.

The Red Line project has a total estimated taxpayer cost of more than $1 billion per mile.

TAX PREPARER CHARGED

A tax return preparer who worked in St. Clair County is facing charges for allegedly making intentional false statements on tax forms to defraud the government.

A federal grand jury returned a nine-count indictment charging Dormeshia A. Haire, 38, of St. Charles, Missouri, with three counts of fraud and false statements on tax returns, three counts of wire fraud and three counts of aiding and abetting in submitting false and fraudulent return.

MARS EXPANDS IN ILLINOIS

Mars Snacking is planning to add 602 new jobs with an expansion of its global headquarters in Chicago.

According to a statement from Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office, the company will receive Economic Development for a Growing Economy tax credits from the state.