Kane County Reporter

The Illinois State Fair will commence in Springfield on Thursday, August 8. Special days include Ag Day (August 9), Kids Day (August 10), Veterans Day (August 11), and Senior Day (August 12). During these days, designated visitors can receive discounted or free admission. The fair will feature agricultural showings, concerts, races, thrill rides, fair food, and novelty events until Family Day on Sunday, August 18. Nationally known performers are scheduled to appear at the historic Grandstand.

State revenues in July 2024 showed a year-over-year increase of $360 million from personal income taxpayers. After deductions for tax refunds and state aid to local governments, the net new money was $306 million. This accounted for over three-quarters of the net $387 million in new money received by the Illinois Comptroller in July 2024. The Comptroller’s office uses this cash flow to pay bills and cover payrolls.

Despite these numbers indicating strong cash flow for Illinois, experts caution against over-optimism due to potential changes in consumer spending influenced by factors such as high fuel prices or housing costs. Additionally, the figures reflect two extra workdays compared to July 2023.

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Corrections announced plans in March to rebuild two prisons: Stateville Correctional Center and Logan Correctional Center (LCC). Initially undecided about LCC's future location, an April report suggested moving it from Lincoln to Crest Hill. This has raised concerns among nearly 500 workers at LCC about job losses and economic impact on Lincoln.

On the “Have All Voted Who Wish” podcast, State Representatives Bill Hauter and CD Davidsmeyer discussed potential impacts on the community if LCC is relocated.

Illinois saw a minor rise in unemployment from 4.9% in May to 5.0% in June 2024 despite adding 10,400 jobs primarily in health services and government sectors. Job losses persisted in professional services and information technology sectors due to technological changes affecting traditional job areas like retail bookkeeping and print journalism.

Neighboring states continue to have lower unemployment rates than Illinois: Indiana at 3.8%, Iowa at 2.8%, Missouri at 3.7%, and Wisconsin at 2.9%. These figures are seasonally adjusted.

Lion Electric Co., a manufacturer of electric-powered school buses based in Canada, announced layoffs affecting approximately 300 workers at its Joliet assembly plant due to slow demand for electric vehicles. The company issued a WARN notice without specifying recall dates for laid-off employees as shares dropped significantly this week.