Carbondale Reporter

A report from the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) indicates a projected $3.16 billion budget deficit for Illinois in the upcoming fiscal year. State Senator Terri Bryant has expressed concerns over increased state spending, which she attributes to a 32 percent rise since Governor JB Pritzker assumed office. The current $53 billion budget includes nearly $1 billion in higher taxes and provides over $1 billion in benefits for noncitizens. Bryant emphasized that continuous high spending could jeopardize Illinois' fiscal stability and residents' financial security. Senate Republicans aim to support reforms to enhance the state's economy and job market.

In education, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is conducting free workshops across the state to assist with college applications and financial aid forms. The U.S. Department of Education plans to launch the 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in December, which will enable access to various types of student financial aid.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) has introduced CORE, an online licensing system initially available for clinical psychologists, nail technicians, and music therapists. This marks the beginning of a two-year plan to transition over 300 professional license types online.

Additionally, November marks Adoption Awareness Month in Illinois. The Department of Children and Family Services celebrates families who have adopted 19,347 children over the past decade. Special Adoption Day events are scheduled statewide, aiming to finalize adoptions for many awaiting youth.