Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker signs bill creating new state agency
(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation elevating the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission to the cabinet-level Illinois Department of Disability Advocacy and Guardianship.
Among other things, House Bill 862 creates a new advisory council within the department, joining the current Division of Legal Advocacy and Division of Disability Rights and Protections.
The new department is slated to begin operations on July 1, 2027.
COOK COUNTY PROJECTS $550.7 MILLION BUDGET GAP
Cook County officials are projecting a $550.7 million budget gap for fiscal year 2027.
According to a statement released by county board president Toni Preckwinkle on Wednesday night, a court-ordered restriction on the use of transportation tax revenue helped drive a projected $336 million general funds budget gap.
The county’s health enterprise fund is forecast to have a $214.7 million deficit due an increase in charity care services and an expected decrease in CountyCare membership caused by federal cuts and Medicare eligibility restrictions.
CHILEAN NATIONAL SENTENCED FOR IDENTITY THEFT, ILLEGAL REENTRY
A Chilean national who was in the United States illegally has been sentenced to three years plus nine months in prison for an identity theft scheme that spanned seven states.
Prosecutors say Mayorie Fernandez Ormeno, 37, stole credit cards from victims in Edwardsville and Glen Carbon after she unlawfully re-entered the U.S. in 2023.
In addition to her 45-month sentence, Fernandez Ormeno was ordered to pay more than $47,000 in restitution to 18 victims.
Latest News Stories
Committee of the Whole Eyes School Closures and New Construction Amid Budget Crisis
Acting, Consulting Superintendents to Lead Peotone Schools During Owens’ Absence
Peotone School Board Rejects Mandating Live-Streaming in 4-3 Vote
Illinois GOP U.S. Senate candidates point to economy, Trump gains
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Peotone Board of Education for August 18, 2025
Lawmaker criticizes $500 student board scholarships amid lowered K‑12 standards
Illinois news in brief: Work begins on $1.5 billion O’Hare expansion; Police catch man accused of road rage, shooting
Executive Committee Details Spending of $134 Million in Pandemic Relief Funds
Facing Budget Crisis, Peotone Committee Questions Athletic Field Project
Committee Summary and Briefs: Peotone Board of Education Committee of the Whole
Soaring utility bills, solar federal tax credit cuts dominate Illinois energy debate
Illinois quick hits: Pritzker signs crypto regulations
Trucking industry leader: New law may drive business out of Illinois
Executive Committee Considers $12,000 Strategic Planning Initiative with University of St. Francis