New Law Aims to Support Illinois’ Next Generation of Farmers
Legislation filed by State Senator Sally Turner aimed at helping young farmers overcome barriers to accessing farmland in Illinois has now officially become law.
Senate Bill 2372 creates the Farmland Transition Commission within the Illinois Department of Agriculture. The Commission will be tasked with studying the challenges young farmers face, recommending policy solutions, and helping facilitate the transition of farmland to farmers between the ages of 25 and 40.
Senator Sally Turner says this law brings together policymakers, agricultural leaders, and young farmers to ensure the long-term success of farming in Illinois. By improving access to farmland, the state can help preserve family farms and secure the future of agriculture.
Those interested in serving on the new Commission can apply through the Board and Commissions website.
Audit Exposes Continued Failures at DCFS
A new report from the Illinois Auditor General has once again revealed ongoing failures at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). According to the audit, 29 of 34 findings were repeated issues from prior years, a sign of persistent mismanagement under Governor Pritzker’s administration.
Lawmakers say the agency’s inability to address child abuse and neglect cases continues to put vulnerable children at risk. The recent death of 18-year-old Mackenzi Felmlee, who was known to DCFS, has renewed calls for action.
State Senator Sally Turner says these repeated failures are unacceptable and that it is time to implement meaningful reforms that hold leadership accountable and better protect children in the agency’s care.
The full audit report can be found here.
Youth Deer Hunt Lottery Now Open
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is offering youth hunters a chance to participate in a managed deer hunt this fall. A lottery drawing will take place on August 26, 2025, for young hunters to earn a spot in the youth firearm deer season, which is scheduled for October 11 through October 13.
The hunt will be held at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area (JEPC) in Cass County and the Sangamon County State Conservation Area.
To enter the lottery, applicants must mail a postcard that includes their name, contact information, and preferred hunting site. Entries must be received by the JEPC office by the close of business on August 25. Selected participants will be notified and may purchase a youth either-sex deer permit from any Illinois hunting license vendor starting August 5.
Youth hunters must be under 18 years old as of the start of the season. Only designated open units are available for hunting. Restricted areas, including the controlled and quail management units at JEPC, will be closed.
All participants must have a valid youth deer permit, along with either a youth or apprentice hunting license or proof of completing a certified hunter education course. Youth hunters using an apprentice or youth license must be accompanied by a non-hunting parent, guardian, or grandparent with a valid hunting license. All other participants must be supervised by a non-hunting adult who holds either a hunting license or a FOID card.
Postcards should be sent to:
Youth Deer Hunt
JEPC
10149 County Highway 11
Chandlerville, IL 62627
For more information, call 217-452-7741.
More Licenses Now Available Through State’s New Online Platform
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) has successfully completed Phase 2 of its transition to the new online licensing platform, CORE (Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment).
As part of this phase, 25 more license types are now available for licensure through CORE, making the total number of license types 95. Many of these licenses were previously only available through paper applications, which often led to delays in processing.
State Senator Sally Turner says the updated platform is part of a broader effort to modernize state services and reduce red tape. First-time applicants are encouraged to use the system to simplify the licensing process.
A full list of licenses available through CORE can be found here.
Grants Now Available for Safe Routes to School Projects
As students prepare to return to school, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has opened applications for its Safe Routes to School program. The initiative aims to make walking, biking, and rolling to school safer for students across the state.
This year, $12 million in federal funding is available for projects such as new sidewalks, bike lanes, pedestrian crossings, and public education campaigns. Grants can award up to $250,000, with priority given to schools serving low-income students and students with disabilities.
Eligible applicants include school districts, municipalities, nonprofits, and planning organizations. The deadline to apply is October 13, with awards announced in the spring.
More details are available on the Safe Routes to School program homepage.
Back to School Safety Tips
As students head back to school, it’s important to prioritize safety to ensure a smooth and secure start to the year. The National Safety Council offers several key tips to help protect both children and drivers.
- Bus Safety: Teach children to stand 6 feet from the curb and to cross in front of the bus, making eye contact with the driver.
- Walking Safety: Instruct kids to walk on sidewalks, face traffic when no sidewalks are available, and avoid distractions like texting or wearing headphones.
- Bicycle Safety: Ensure children ride on the right side of the road, stop before crossing streets, and always wear a properly fitted helmet.
- Backpack Safety: Choose backpacks that weigh no more than 5-10% of your child’s body weight and encourage using both straps to distribute weight evenly.
- Driver Awareness: Obey school zone speed limits, never pass a stopped school bus, and remain alert for children and crossing guards.
By following these simple safety guidelines, we can help ensure a safe and successful school year for all.
For more information, visit the National Safety Council’s Back to School Safety Tips.