(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois State House yesterday approved legislation to create a new state agency, the Department of Early Childhood, which had already been approved in the State Senate. While state Democrats say the new agency will streamline the administration and services of three current agencies, with the focus on early childhood education programs. Those that voted “no” for the bill, including State Representative Blaine Wilhour and other downstate lawmakers, are concerned about the massive bureaucracy that will go with the new agency, along with no idea as to what it’s going to cost Illinois taxpayers.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Attorney General’s Office has announced that it and the other 49 state attorneys general have reached a settlement agreement with several wireless carriers over misleading advertising practices. The investigation focused on the wireless carriers’ advertisements offering unlimited data, free phones, wireless network switch incentives, and comparing carrier plans. In total, Illinois will receive about $387,000 as part of the settlement with AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Ascension Healthcare Network has announced that its clinical operations were disrupted, by what officials are calling, a “cyber security” event. Yesterday, Ascension said its hospitals in Illinois did not have any patient care service interruptions, however the overall IT service was affected nationwide. Ascension is one of the country’s leading nonprofit and Catholic health systems.
(CHICAGO) The Chicago Teachers Union is facing mounting criticism over its latest demands. A copy of the union’s proposal for a new collective bargaining agreement revealed over 700 demands, including 9% annual pay increases through 2028 and providing $2,000 per child to migrant families to aid in their resettlement. The Illinois Policy Institute estimated that the cost of the demands now totals over $50 billion.