East Central Reporter

Mayor Brandon Johnson has proposed a new property tax increase as part of Chicago's Year 2025 budget. The budget, submitted to the City Council, totals $17.3 billion and includes a $300 million hike in property taxes. This proposal marks a departure from a promise made by Johnson during his election campaign in early 2023. As a home-rule unit, Chicago can raise its tax rates with City Council approval, which is often aligned with the mayor's decisions. The mayor’s allies have suggested potential layoffs if the tax increase is not approved.

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) released the 2024 Illinois Report Card, providing data on school performance across the state. The report covers metrics such as English language proficiency, math and science proficiencies, chronic absenteeism, and graduation rates for high schools. It aims to offer insights into school performance for educators, parents, students, and taxpayers. The report indicates that English proficiency levels are at or near all-time highs for elementary and middle schools, while high school graduation rates are also at peak levels. However, concerns remain about lagging math proficiency levels.

Unemployment remains high in 13 out of 15 metro areas in Illinois according to September data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Danville recorded the highest unemployment rate at 6.3%, followed by Decatur at 5.9% and Kankakee at 5.5%. While Chicago showed improvement with an unemployment rate of 5.2%, it still exceeds the national average of 3.9%. Overall job growth was noted across nine metro areas in Illinois between August and September 2024.

PepsiCo has closed its South Side plant in Chicago without prior warning to its employees. The plant had operated for over six decades but faced "physical limitations" related to production processes. PepsiCo will maintain pay and benefits for affected workers until December 28.

Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan is currently on trial facing multiple felony charges including racketeering and bribery. During the trial in Chicago, House Republican lawmakers continue to advocate for ethics reform legislation which has yet to progress through the General Assembly. Madigan’s former aide Will Cousineau testified about Madigan's significant influence within the House.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Streicker stated: “This is a case about corruption at the highest level of state government.” Prosecutors have presented numerous wiretapped recordings as evidence against Madigan and co-defendant Michael McClain.

House Minority Leader Tony McCombie emphasized: “We have not passed any ethics legislation this General Assembly... This is not acceptable.”

Cousineau described Madigan as “the ultimate decision maker” during his testimony regarding Madigan's interactions with McClain.