Illinois Democrats Fail to Act on Tax Relief for Tipped Workers
Despite Illinoisans across the state struggling under the rising costs of living in Illinois, Governor Pritzker and Springfield Democrats declined earlier this year to extend tax relief for tipped workers by refusing to take up legislation that would have provided help.
Senate Bill 140, a proposal to exempt tip income from state taxation, was filed earlier in the year, yet Democratic leaders have not allowed even a basic hearing. Their refusal to advance the measure shows that tax relief for working families is simply not a priority.
Because lawmakers failed to act, workers now face confusing and conflicting federal and state tax rules. Instead of straightforward relief, they are left with more paperwork and less money in their pockets.
This missed opportunity comes on the heels of Democrats’ earlier move to decouple state law from federal tax reforms, effectively raising taxes on job creators. State Senator Sally Turner says this decision will chase away investment, slow wage growth, and make it harder for businesses and families across Illinois.
Senator Sally Turner argues that Illinois families do not need more speeches or campaign slogans. They need leaders willing to protect paychecks, simplify taxes, and put working people first. She is calling on Democrat leaders to hold a hearing on SB 140 and allow for real consideration to be given to legislation that could deliver relief to tipped workers across the state.
Illinois Law Signed to Establish State-Specific Vaccine Guidelines
Last week, Governor Pritzker made a controversial shift in public health policy, signing into law a bill that grants the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) the power to issue its own vaccine guidelines, separate from the CDC.
House Bill 767 mandates that state-regulated insurance plans cover vaccines recommended by IDPH, even if they diverge from federal standards. It also allows children as young as three to receive vaccines without a prescription and broadens the scope of IDPH expertise by no longer limiting it to CDC-affiliated experts.
Critics say the move risks politicizing vaccine policy and creating public confusion. By stepping away from the CDC’s consensus-driven framework, Illinois could create inconsistencies in care and coverage, with unclear long-term consequences. Lawmakers have urged more transparency and coordination, warning that going it alone may undermine trust in public health guidance.
The law follows an executive order by Pritzker earlier this year, after the FDA rolled back support for certain COVID-19 vaccines.
Federal SNAP Data Dispute Puts States on Notice
Federal SNAP food assistance remains a major national topic as the federal government recently signaled that it may withhold SNAP funding from states that do not provide requested program data. Illinois is among the states declining to comply with the federal request, even as the program faces ongoing scrutiny for rising error rates and limited transparency. Since 2017, Illinois’ error rate has nearly doubled, reaching 11.56 percent in 2024.
Federal officials say the data request is part of a broader effort to combat growing fraud within the nearly $100-billion-a-year program. Under recent federal law changes, states reporting error rates above 10 percent must repay 15 percent of the value of their SNAP benefits, a requirement that could place a significant financial burden on states where fraud and errors remain high.
The initial request for detailed SNAP data was issued earlier this year, prompting twenty-two states and the District of Columbia to file a lawsuit challenging the requirement. The federal government has since reiterated its expectations in a follow-up letter, stating that states have until December 8 to respond to the data request.
Illinois Municipal League Launches America250 Time Capsule Project
As the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence approaches in 2026, the Illinois Municipal League (IML) announced the launch of its America250 Time Capsule Project, a statewide effort to honor and preserve the legacy of communities across Illinois.
The initiative invites municipalities throughout the state to submit items for inclusion in a time capsule that will be buried on the grounds of the IML office in Springfield. Suggested contributions include photographs, proclamations, local histories, lapel pins, letters, and other keepsakes that reflect the character and spirit of Illinois communities. Once assembled, the capsule will be sealed for fifty years and opened on July 4, 2076, during the nation’s 300th anniversary.
The deadline for submitting items is Wednesday, December 31. The IML is offering helpful resources on its website at iml.org/IL250, including a model resolution, a digital toolkit, and additional guidance. Items sent by mail should be addressed to: Illinois Municipal League, P.O. Box 5180, Springfield, IL 62705-5180.
IDOR Urges Residents to be Alert While Online Shopping
As the holiday gift-giving season kicks off, the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is urging Illinoisans to stay alert when shopping online and to take simple steps to protect themselves from fraud and identity theft.
According to the PEW Research Center, about 1 in 3 U.S. adults report experiencing an online shopping scam. The FBI also reported that online scams and internet crimes are on the rise, with a record $16.6 billion in losses occurring in 2024.
To help combat the increase in online scams and crimes, IDOR shared some helpful online safety tips for Illinois shoppers:
- Shop with trusted retailers
- Pay with a credit card, rather than debit cards or other payment options
- Check for secure websites and look for https in the URL
- Use strong passwords and enable multifactor authentication
- Avoid public Wi-Fi for online shopping or financial transactions
- Monitor your financial accounts regularly
- Protect your personal and tax information
- Be alert for delivery and tracking scams
Follow these helpful tips and tricks to stay alert and be on the lookout for cybercriminals this holiday season.