Kane County Reporter

Illinois residents have decided to keep their current state flag design, rejecting a proposal for redesign. The Illinois Flag Commission had organized a contest for new designs, with ten finalists chosen from nearly 5,000 submissions. Public voting concluded with the existing flag receiving more votes than the next five top designs combined. Senator Don DeWitte criticized the initiative as a misuse of resources amid pressing issues like financial instability and high taxes.

The Illinois State Flag, originally designed by Lucy Derwent in 1915, has seen minor changes over the years, such as the addition of "Illinois" below the seal in 1969.

In another development, Senator DeWitte addressed budget concerns based on a report from the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA). According to COGFA's projections, Governor Pritzker’s budget plan for Fiscal Year 2026 may face a $1.2 billion shortfall. The Governor's proposed budget includes $490 million in new revenues not yet approved by the General Assembly. Even if these are enacted, there would still be a $740 million gap compared to estimates from the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget.

Senator DeWitte emphasized that "this latest forecast underscores the need for a more responsible and realistic budget," highlighting an expected $525 million shortfall for the current fiscal year.

On March 6, thousands of homeschool families attended an annual event at the State Capitol organized by Illinois Christian Home Educators (ICHE). The event aimed to oppose House Bill 2827, which could impose regulations on homeschooling families. A hearing on this bill is scheduled for March 12 in Springfield.

Senator DeWitte will also host an ICASH Unclaimed Property Event later this month in Carpentersville alongside State Representative Dan Ugaste. Residents can check for unclaimed property and cash at this event on March 26 at their St. Charles office.