Carbondale Reporter

Illinois’ culture of corruption in the headlines

Democrat Ed Burke, Chicago’s longest-serving alderman and a longtime ally of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, has been sentenced to prison in the latest high-profile corruption case in Illinois. Burke, who used his influence to steer business to his law firm in exchange for helping companies navigate the Chicago City Council, was convicted on 13 charges of bribery, racketeering, and extortion. He received a two-year prison sentence and a $2 million fine for leveraging his position to improperly influence business dealings for personal gain.

Senate Republicans cite this conviction as further evidence of the urgent need for tougher ethics reforms to hold politicians accountable and make it easier for law enforcement to investigate public corruption. They have continued to push for greater accountability and transparency in Illinois politics with proposals including stronger revolving door prohibitions, banning elected officials from working as paid lobbyists, and campaign finance reforms.

IDOT’s fiscal year 2025-2030 plan released

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has released its newest Multi-Year Improvement Plan (MYP), the largest in state history. The plan will invest $41.42 billion over six years across various projects in every county in Illinois. Funding will come from federal, state, and local sources.

This program is part of the ongoing Rebuild Illinois Program aimed at improving transportation infrastructure. Of the total funding, $29.65 billion is earmarked for roads and bridges while $11.77 billion is allocated for public transit, freight, passenger rail, and other projects. This includes 279 projects within the 58th Senate District with an expected investment exceeding $1.1 billion.

Information about the plan can be found on IDOT’s website.

Laws taking effect July 1

Several new laws are set to take effect on July 1:

Undocumented immigrants drivers’ licenses: Public Act 103-0210 allows non-citizens to obtain standard driver’s licenses instead of licenses indicating they are not citizens.

Underage professional vlogger protections: Public Act 103-0556 requires influencers to set up a trust fund if their child earns income from their likeness.

Regulation for district-administered assessment in schools: Public Act 103-0393 mandates school boards hold a public vote before approving new contracts for district-administered assessments.

Freelance worker protections: Public Act 103-0417 creates protections under the Freelance Worker Protection Act for independent contractors.

ISP partners with Texas DPS to enhance child protection training

The Illinois State Police (ISP) has partnered with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to train officers better protect at-risk children through participation in the Interdiction for the Protection of Children (IPC) training program. The IPC training aims to help officers identify signs of child exploitation, victimization, and abduction.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), other law enforcement agencies, and child advocacy groups also attended this training session.

Illinois residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities involving minors to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org for additional resources.

Return of Bryant’s Small Town Tour

State Senator Terri Bryant will resume her Small Town Tour across her district starting July 23 in Murphysboro and concluding August 23 in Mount Vernon. Sen. Bryant will be joined by State Representatives David Friess and Dave Severin throughout her tour which includes stops at thirteen locations over seven days.