Quincy Reporter

Governor JB Pritzker has announced a plan to spend $160 million to address the migrant crisis in Chicago. The funds will be used to provide shelter and job assistance to thousands of migrants. Since 2022, nearly 25,000 migrants have come to Chicago, and the State of Illinois has already spent $478 million on the crisis. Governor Pritzker's plan includes $30 million to streamline intake procedures, $65 million to create additional shelter capacity, and $65 million to expand case management and provide job assistance to migrants.

In response to the surge in migrants, House Republicans have introduced legislation to repeal the TRUST Act, which designates Illinois as a sanctuary state for undocumented immigrants.

Illinoisans can expect higher natural gas bills in the near future. The chief suppliers of natural gas to the state have applied for rate hikes, and the Illinois Commerce Commission has granted a portion of these requests. The approved hikes will be reflected in the natural gas bills of residents and businesses this winter.

The "assault weapons" ban enacted in January 2023 by the Illinois General Assembly continues to be the subject of court action. Firearms rights groups and plaintiffs have filed lawsuits to challenge the constitutionality of the law. A plaintiff group has announced plans to present their case to the full Seventh United States Court of Appeals, while a House Republican colleague has petitioned the United States Supreme Court to review the Illinois Supreme Court's decision on the ban.

The Illinois General Assembly has passed a bill to reform the professional licensing process. The Department of Professional Regulation currently operates with outdated licensing software, causing delays in license applications and renewals. The new legislation requires the department to fast-track the procurement process for a new computer software system that is secure and operational within a specific timeframe.

The summer storms of 2023 caused significant property damage in Illinois, particularly in Central Illinois. The federal Small Business Administration has made the storms eligible for disaster loan activity. Small businesses, nonprofits, and individuals affected by the storms can apply for loans to cover repair and replacement costs.

In other news, Meridan Health Plans of Illinois has donated 200 turkeys and hams for families in the Jacksonville area. Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer and Senator Jil Tracy assisted with the distribution.

This has been your news update on the migrant crisis, natural gas bills, firearms update, and more in Illinois. Stay safe and have a happy Thanksgiving!

To learn more, click on this link: https://repfrese.com/2023/11/21/migrant-crisis-natural-gas-bills-firearms-update-and-more/