Latest news with #Illinoisians
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Krishnamoorthi: ‘Big Beautiful Bill' is anything but that
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — A Chicago-area federal lawmaker also used alliteration to voice his opinion on the White House's spending plan, known as the 'Big Beautiful Bill.' U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi said the practical effect of the House's overnight passage of the spending plan by a single vote was that it will 'end up as a large, lousy law.' The chamber cleared the sprawling package in a 215-214 early-morning vote after days of marathon meetings, intense negotiations that spanned both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue, and a series of last-minute changes to the bill that were crucial in coalescing Republicans around the measure. The vote was on strict party lines with two Republicans voting no and one Republican voting present. 'It slashes the social safety net to the tune of trillions of dollars. Medicaid alone will be so devastated that 800,000 to 900,000 Illinoisians, some in Central Illinois, are going to lose access to their sole source of healthcare,' said Krishnamoorthi, who grew up in Peoria and graduated from Richwoods High School. Krishnamoorthi whose family lived in public housing and who used food stamp, said such cuts are personal to him. 'But on top of that, it's going to layer an additional $2 to $3 trillion in debt on the country and for what purpose, it's to fund tax cuts for the wealthiest among us,' he said. 'This doesn't make any sense. it's going to harm Illinoisians up and down the state. And it's going to harm our economy as well.' Reaction from the vote, which was done shortly after dawn, was also on party lines. U.S. Rep. Darin Lahood, a Republican from Dunlap, praised the vote. 'The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a bold, comprehensive piece of legislation that will create a stronger and more prosperous future for all Americans. This bill will bring predictability and certainty by providing much-needed tax relief for Americans, small businesses, farmers, veterans, and seniors,' he said in a news release. ' By lowering the tax burden on families and businesses, we are creating an economic environment where they can thrive. 'The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a transformative approach that will not only strengthen our economy and support our families, but it will also secure our border, bolster our military, and make our government programs more efficient. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to move quickly and pass this bill,' he added. His colleague, U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen, who also represents parts of Peoria, called it a partisan move. 'I voted no against a partisan Republican bill because I'm against taking food away from my hungry neighbors and striping them of their health insurance, all so the rich can get a big break on their taxes,' said the Moline Democrat. 'I will continue to speak out against a bill that will blow a $5 trillion dollar hole in our national debt and go after the most vulnerable among us: our kids, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.' The bill will now go to the U.S. Senate where the GOP has a 53-47 seat majority. One of Illinois' senators, Richard 'Dick' Durbin, a Democrat and the minority whip, voiced his displeasure. 'Republicans' reconciliation bill dismantles the American Dream and strips health care, food assistance, and more away from millions of hardworking Americans,' he said. 'Republicans are taking a chainsaw to critical services that American families depend on and using them as a piggy bank for tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy. It's simple: Billionaires win. And American families lose, all thanks to President Trump.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Illinois to lose $23.7M in broadband funding after Trump cuts ‘woke' federal program
CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO) — Illinois stands to lose more than $23.7 million in federal funding after the Trump administration cut an Internet expansion program the president described as a 'woke' giveaway based on race. The Digital Equity Act, enabled by the Biden administration's Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, was a $2.75 billion program that promised funding for digital skills training, broadband expansion, device access, and workforce readiness. 'I have spoken with my wonderful Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, and we agree that the Biden/Harris so-called 'Digital Equity Act' is totally UNCONSTITUTIONAL,' Trump wrote on Truth Social. 'No more woke handouts based on race! The Digital Equity Program is a RACIST and ILLEGAL $2.5 BILLION DOLLAR giveaway. I am ending this IMMEDIATELY, and saving Taxpayers BILLIONS OF DOLLARS!' Illinois was set to receive $23.7 million from the program. 'The internet is a key to our economy. In Illinois, we need to make sure our many rural areas have the tools they need to access the internet and the doorways it opens for jobs, education, and telemedicine,' said Gov. JB Pritzker. 'Instead of enabling more people to participate in our economy, Donald Trump is turning his back on rural America, veterans, seniors, and other communities who deserve the opportunity to use the internet to access basic services and help grow our economy.' According to the Governor's Office, the funding was targeted at 10 million Illinoisians who have 'historically experienced lower rates of computer and internet access.' Over 260 Illinois groups applied for funding after the grant's announcement. The state provided handouts of more than 1,400 computers, held 4,300 digital skills training classes, and held 900 community outreach events. 'Because of the Trump Administration's spiteful crusade to gut critical government programs, Illinoisans will lose the internet access that allows them to speak with their doctor, complete homework assignments, or pay their bills. The President seems to forget that there are real people who are harmed by his reckless declarations, and the termination of the Digital Equity Capacity Grant is just the latest example,' said U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL). According to the Governor's Office, an Illinois-wide internet use phone survey revealed at least 1.3 million residents across approximately 540,000 households have low digital literacy skills, meaning they do not feel confident using the internet to complete at least one of the basic tasks included in the survey, such as creating a resume. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
New zero-emission bus plant to open in Peoria area; create 90 jobs
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Gov. JB Pritzker said a zero-emission electric bus company will open a manufacturing plant in the Greater Peoria Area — the first for the company within the country — that will create 90 jobs. Damera Corporation, a Canadian transit solutions provider, plans to open its first U.S. assembly plant and invest more than $31.5 million over the next four years to expand into Illinois and create 90 new full-time jobs, Pritzker said. 'Over the past six years, Illinois has pushed to solidify our status as a hub of the EV future – and put our shoulder to the wheel to get that vision off the ground and on the road,' he said. 'With this investment of more than $31.5 million – supported by state incentives – Damera will expand into our state and create 90 new full-time jobs,' the governor said. 'Through our competitive incentive programs, workforce development, and other business attraction efforts, the state is bringing in companies like Damera that not only create jobs and opportunity for our people, but commit themselves to our communities.' Damera is the only company in North America that sells the Karsan eJEST, which is a zero-emission minibus that can carry up to 19 people and can drive for up to 130 miles, he said. Damera signed a lease here to sell and service these mini buses and to establish their assembly plant which will have assembly lines, testing areas, quality control and administrative offices. It will also house infrastructure for the batteries, including assembly and charging infrastructure. 'Today marks a milestone for Peoria and Illinois,' said Lt. Gov Juliana Stratton. 'Investments like this from the Damera Corporation are a testament to the kind of economy we are building here in Illinois; one that provides opportunity to all corners of our state and builds towards a sustainable future.' Damera met with 'Team Illinois' at the SelectUSA Investment Summit in 2024, which allows the state and local economic teams to talk with companies who are thinking of relocating to the U.S. and allow them to network, Pritzker said. 'Damera's decision to be in Illinois for its first U.S. assembly base is a reflection of our state's strong electric vehicle sector. Intersect exists to ensure companies like Damera can find a home in our welcoming state,' said Intersect Illinois President and CEO Christy George. 'Illinois is committed to remaining a leader in clean energy, so we welcome the role international innovators like Damera play in providing sustainable solutions and expanding economic opportunities for Illinoisians.' This comes in wake of Pritzker's goal of 1 million electric vehicles on the road in Illinois by 2030 and his net-zero greenhouse gas by 2050, the governor's office said. While an exact location of the plant was not given, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunities website has it listed as going in Peoria County. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Chicago Tribune
08-05-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Braun focuses on business issues at Munster chamber lunch
Gov. Mike Braun participated in a question and answer session Thursday during a Munster Camber of Commerce luncheon that focused on small businesses, local school referendums, and tolling, while protesters lined Ridge Road outside the event to express criticism with much of the legislation Braun has signed into law. After college, Braun said he moved back to Jasper and ultimately became a small business owner, where he had 15 employees and established his office in a mobile home. The company, Meyer Body, grew into a national company with thousands of employees, he said. Lake County is 'a stew pot' of ethnicity, small businesses, and blue collar workers, Braun said. The region's proximity to Illinois has resulted in an increase in Illinoisians moving to Indiana, he said. While Indiana has 'an environment' for businesses, Braun said Indiana doesn't have many start-up companies. Braun said he has focused on reorganizing the state government to focus on entrepreneurship. To grow the future workforce, Braun said Ivy Tech has become an important post-secondary education institution. 'Our other schools have got to get better at producing degrees that we have markets for in our home state. Otherwise, think about it, if you don't you're exporting your kid out of state to find a job. Or worse, in the basement, because they want to live here but found out they have been misguided into a degree that has no market. I can guarantee I'm going to get that balanced out.' As a whole, Braun said he likes giving parents a choice because education isn't 'one size fits all.' Braun said he'd like to see schools offer students opportunities for apprenticeships and skilled jobs. When it comes to tariffs, Braun said all the Trump Administration is asking to 'keep them equal and hopefully both go down mutually to nothing over time.' 'That'd be called free and fair trade. Finally, we've got somebody attending to it. It needed to be done,' Braun said. When looking at transit-oriented development, Braun said while in Indianapolis that has been 'a big boondoggle' it makes sense for Northwest Indiana. The expansion of the South Shore Line will help Northwest Indiana prosper, he said. 'I'm anxious to see how you develop around it, and to make sure we, to the extent we can, support it so that we can give it an excellent chance to actually take root and work. From what I've seen, you are off to a good start.' Following the end of his first legislative session as governor, Braun said the legislators worked toward putting 'Indiana in a better place.' 'I am going to completely tune up our state government that had gotten a little sloppy over the last 8 to 12 years. I want to do better for the customer, the constituent.' House Enrolled Act 1461, authored by state Rep. Jim Pressel, R-Rolling Prairie, would allow the state to charge tolls on all Indiana interstate highways, including I-80/94 and I-65. Braun signed the bill into law May 1. Specifically, the bill would allow the Indiana Department of Transportation to submit a request to the Federal Highway Administration for a waiver to toll lanes on interstate highways. If the waiver is granted, the legislature would not have to enact a statute for the Indiana finance authority to take action on tolling. Indiana uses fuel tax to fund road projects, Braun said, but as vehicles become more fuel efficient drivers have been buying less gas. Braun said he 'probably will' ask for federal approval to toll Indiana highways. 'Tolling, when you're the crossroads of America, especially on places like (Interstate) 70, where almost 70% of the use is by somebody that doesn't even stop to eat or get fuel. It's going to have to be considered because, otherwise, I don't think we can maintain our main arteries,' Braun said. 'Asking for the ability to do it doesn't mean you're going to do it comprehensively. You do it selectively, where the need is the greatest.' Braun addressed Crown Point and Hobart taxpayers approving the renewal of eight-year school property tax referendums Tuesday. The special election in the two cities marked the last time such off-year votes were cast. Recent state legislation calls for school referendum votes to take place only in the general election cycle in November. 'We're just getting back to a place where we need to make sure the taxpayers can shoulder the burden. Most of them want to, and then the jurisdictions have to make sure, if they need more, they make the case for it,' Braun said. Braun said he was most proud of the legislature addressing health care, but didn't expand on that with specifics. Senate Enrolled Act 2 — authored by Sen. Ryan Mishler, R-Mishawaka — places restrictions on Medicaid, including work requirements on an insurance program for Hoosiers with a medium income and between ages 19 to 64. Braun signed the bill into law May 1. Around 60 protesters lined the sidewalk in front of the Center for Visual and Performing Arts, where the luncheon was held, and across Ridge Road. House Bill 1461, which lifts some hurdles for turning roads into toll roads, was top-of-mind. 'I get that he wants to nab the people traveling from Ilinois to Michigan, but the people of Northwest Indiana use the roads, too,' Deb Lueken, of Schererville, said. 'It's going to overburden all the state and side roads.' 'It might be worth having a toll road if there were someplace good to go to,' added Janet Knight, of Crown Point, said. 'I lived in Illinois, and we moved for the lower property taxes. But now, I'm so sorry we ever moved.' Carla Ducret, of Whiting, was upset about the toll roads, but she had other things on her mind. 'Who paid for that helipad at his own private house, and who paid for that $80,000 vehicle (Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith) now drives?' she said. 'How bad do you have to be if you're cutting a Dolly Parton (Imagination Library) program?' 'If you cut taxes, you're cutting services,' added Angela Kwasnica, of Munster. Protest organizer Tracie Martin said she was surprised at the larger turnout, but also not really. 'There isn't a facet of Indiana life that hasn't been messed with,' she said. 'Whoever voted for Braun, I don't think they thought he would make it impossible to live here.'
Chicago Tribune
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Lake County Educator of the Year celebrated; Lt. Gov. Stratton warns about ‘Trump administration's chaos'
A crowd of more than a thousand school teachers, educators and staff were in attendance Wednesday at the fourth-annual Lake County Educator of the Year event at which Bryan Henley of Palombi Middle School was given the honor. Lake Zurich High School sophomore student Jack Byrne, who MC-ed the event with fellow student Anna DaValle, said educators do more than just 'deliver lessons.' 'They inspire curiosity, challenge us to grow and help us become the best versions of ourselves,' Byrne said, sharing his own experience of a teacher pushing him to do better. 'She showed me real growth happens when we're put through challenges.' Henley said it was 'a great honor' to be recognized, and he was surprised by the award. He's been a teacher for nearly 10 years, and has worked at Palombi for two years. He emphasized the importance of giving his all to the students. 'It's more whatever you put in, you'll get out of it, the amount of time and energy you give to the kids, it comes full circle,' Henley said. 'You have to remember it's all about the kids.' But as Lake County celebrated, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton warned of unprecedented challenges facing public education from the administration of President Donald Trump. Stratton spoke to the gathered educators, expressing how 'overjoyed' she was to recognize their work, describing them as 'critical pillars' of the community. 'You fortify curious minds and, in doing so, you help shape the perspectives of our future leaders,' she said. She also highlighted the importance of mental health specialists, who she said make 'a difference in the lives of Illinoisians today and for generations to come.' Stratton said they were facing difficult times, with schools being pressured to 'tailor lessons to the ideology of an extremist group.' The Trump administration has been responsible for book bans, the erasure of 'diverse voices,' the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education and the 'gutting' of mental health programs for students, Stratton said. 'At this moment in history, I find myself reaching deep into the well of courage,' she said. 'The last few years have brought so many unprecedented events that it can feel impossible to remember what was precedented in the first place,' she said. 'Our children and our educators are bearing the full weight of the Trump administration's chaos.' Schools and educators have a 'unique opportunity' to shape with the next generation, she said. Stratton highlighted efforts by Gov. JB Pritzker to 'uplift educators,' including new financial investments, the ending of book bans and teaching 'the full and complete history of our communities.' 'You know what I see behind the slew of executive orders and intimidation tactics? I see an administration that is afraid of how access to knowledge can change lives,' Stratton said. 'When you pass on information, you ignite a spark in students. It's up to us as your leaders to help protect the future of that spark.' Eight others were recognized Wednesday as winners in their own categories: Stacy Storey of Beulah Park Elementary as Elementary/Childhood Educator of the Year; Megan Swirsley of SEDOL 825 as Diverse Learner Teacher of the Year; Amy Smith of Oakland Elementary School as Early Career Educator of the Year; Stephanie Meek of Beach Park Middle School as School Administrator of the Year,; Yahaira Alvarez of Woodview School as Education Service Personnel of the Year; Jane Twohig of Lake Bluff Middle School as Middle School Teacher of the Year; Joe Veronese of Grant Community High School as Student Support Personnel of the Year; and Christine Zucker of Lakes Community High School as High School Teacher of the Year.
