WATCH: Chicago activist testifies; Quinn’s millionaire surcharge; High SNAP error rate
November 20, 2025/
(The Center Square) – In today’s edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares highlights from Wednesday U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary where Chicago Flips Red Vice President Daniel Carter-Walters testified about immigration enforcement in the Windy City.
Bishop also gives both sides of the debate around a proposed 3% surcharge on Illinois millionaires to fund property tax relief rebates. Former Gov. Pat Quinn says if voters approve the idea, more than $4 billion would be raised. Republican U.S. Senate candidate Don Tracy said that will push more high earners out of the state.
Finally, Bishop shares some of the questions and responses around the state’s handling of federal tax subsidies through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Illinois’ high SNAP error rate could end up costing Illinois taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.
Subscribe to Illinois in Focus Daily with The Center Square on YouTube. You can also subscribe to the Illinois in Focus podcast to get the entire show uninterrupted.
Today Jul 22
76° 56°
Sunny
Latest News Stories
“Federal Policy Uncertainty” Blamed for Delay of Peotone Solar Farm; County Grants Second Extension
Article Summary: The Will County Board has granted a second permit extension for a solar farm in Peotone Township after the developer, Trajectory Energy Partners, cited "ongoing uncertainty regarding federal...
Will County Grants Extensions to Five Solar Projects Sold to New Developers
Article Summary: The Will County Board approved first-time permit extensions for five commercial solar projects across Monee, Crete, and Joliet townships, all of which were recently sold to larger energy...
Will County Board Approves Controversial Drug Recovery Retreat in Crete Township
Article Summary: The Will County Board has approved a special use permit for The Second Story Foundation to operate a long-term residential recovery program for men on a 68-acre horse...
Failed Repair Forces Replacement of 25-Year-Old Furnace at Washington Township Center
Article Summary: A failed repair attempt on the 25-year-old furnace at the Washington Township Center, which caused a fire alarm to activate, has prompted the board to authorize a full...
Beecher Library Board Approves Budgets for Current and Upcoming Fiscal Years
Article Summary: The Beecher Public Library District Board of Trustees formally approved its final budget for the current 2024-2025 fiscal year and, following a public hearing, passed the new budget...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Beecher School District 200-U for September 10, 2025
The Beecher School District 200-U Board of Education approved its annual budget, appointed a new member, and greenlit a cosmetic upgrade for the high school during its meeting on September...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Village of Beecher Board of Trustees for September 22, 2025
The Beecher Village Board addressed persistent structural issues at the new Public Safety Facility during its meeting on September 22. After a report confirmed that new roof leaks have appeared...
Washington Township Overhauls Wage Structure, Boosts Bus Driver Pay
Article Summary: The Washington Township Board of Trustees has initiated a comprehensive review of its wage and job structures to align with state law, improve competitiveness for key positions like...
Beecher Library Board President Shirley Biery Announces Resignation
Article Summary: Shirley Biery has announced she will resign from her position as President and Trustee of the Beecher Public Library District Board, effective August 31, 2025. Following the announcement...
Beecher Creates New Adjudication Clerk Position to Manage Municipal Court
Article Summary: The Village of Beecher has formally created the position of Adjudication Clerk by amending its municipal code, aiming to streamline the management of its local ordinance violation hearings....
Beecher High School to Get New Look with Approved Window Wrap
Article Summary: Beecher High School is set for an aesthetic upgrade after the Board of Education approved a nearly $12,500 proposal for a decorative and security-enhancing window wrap. After some...
State’s Attorney Donates Tint Meters to Beecher Police to Enhance Traffic Safety
Article Summary: The Beecher Police Department has received 14 new window tint meters through a donation from the Will County State's Attorney's Office. State's Attorney Jim Glasgow personally presented the...
Brad Shrader Appointed to Fill Vacant Beecher School Board Seat
Article Summary: The Beecher School District 200-U Board of Education has a full roster again after appointing resident Brad Shrader to fill a vacant seat at its September 10 meeting....
Beecher School Board Approves FY26 Budget With Projected Surplus, Earmarks Funds for Major Projects
Article Summary: The Beecher School District 200-U Board of Education formally adopted its Fiscal Year 2026 budget, projecting a modest surplus of approximately $96,000 and continuing a recent trend of...
Persistent Leaks at New Beecher Public Safety Facility Prompt Calls for Third-Party Inspection
Article Summary: Less than two months after multiple spot repairs were made, new leaks have appeared in the roof of Beecher's multimillion-dollar Public Safety Facility, reigniting concerns about the building's...