Rock Island Today

Legislation consolidating several state agencies and services into the new Department of Early Childhood has been signed into law. The department will take over existing programs currently managed by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Department of Human Services (DHS), and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). The transition is set to occur over the next two years.

DCFS will relinquish supervision of day care centers and group day care homes to the new agency, potentially addressing some ongoing issues within DCFS. Early childhood education programs and care programs for at-risk children will also move to the new department. Recent audits have highlighted significant problems in DCFS's management of these programs. This year's state budget includes $14 million for startup costs for the new department.

In 2019, Illinois doubled gas taxes to fund infrastructure projects, with a provision for annual increases to match inflation. Representative Dan Swanson stated, "I voted No." At the start of this month, a 2.6 cent-per-gallon hike took effect, raising the state's gas tax to 47 cents per gallon—a 3.5% increase from five years ago when it was 19 cents. The diesel fuel tax also increased from 52.9 cents per gallon to 54.5 cents, a 3% rise.

Drivers additionally pay a federal gas tax of 18.4 cents per gallon and may face local government taxes in certain areas. While funds collected by this tax are constitutionally restricted to transportation purposes, these can include expanding passenger rail service or funding city buses. Other states use similar methods but often have lower tax rates; Indiana's rate is 18.9 cents per gallon.

Illinois saw a slight increase in unemployment in May, rising from 4.8% to 4.9%, while the national rate stood at 4.0%. The sectors experiencing job losses included Manufacturing (-2300 jobs) and Leisure and Hospitality (-1200 jobs). However, Professional and Business Services added 7100 jobs.

"House Republicans have introduced a package of legislation to improve Illinois’ jobs climate," said Rep. Dan Ugaste on a recent podcast about their Reigniting Illinois’ Strong Economy (RISE) working group initiative.

An organizational meeting was held last week at the Old Dairy in Macomb for an upcoming Veteran/Senior Fair scheduled for September 9th from 9 a.m. until noon at Spoon River College Community Center in Macomb. Rep. Norine Hammond and Rep. Dan Swanson are collaborating with McDonough District Hospital and Western Illinois Home Health Care on this event.

"We like to focus on the needs of veterans, senior citizens, and those who care for them," stated Swanson.

Other news includes Illinois signing an agreement to build an invasive carp barrier to protect the Great Lakes, new turkey hunting regulations, efforts by the State Fair Foundation seeking individuals for Illinoisan of the Day recognition at the State Fair, celebrating ‘Shark Week’ in Illinois, and highlighting Illinois athletes representing Team USA in the Paris Olympics.