Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving.
This week’s newsletter includes the following topics:
· Sales Tax Hike Puts Chicago at No. 1 in the Nation
· Senate Republicans Question Illinois’ High SNAP Error Rate
· Digital IDs Available to Illinoisans
· Firearm Deer Season Safety
· IDOT Warns about Text Message Scams
Foreign Language in Schools
As a result of HB2170 passing a few years ago (Public Act 101-0654), there will be a statewide graduation mandate that requires every high school student to take 2 years of foreign language. This mandate will begin with freshmen entering high school in the 2028–2029 school year.
Supporters say foreign language study builds communication skills and prepares students for an increasingly global workforce. Opponents argue the state mandate removes local control and may place a heavier burden on rural school districts, which already face significant teacher shortages — especially in foreign language positions. Some school districts also report that students who want to take advanced foreign language classes will not be able to because the foreign language teachers will need to offer a higher number of basic foreign language classes.
Do you agree that all kids should be required to take 2 years of foreign language?
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Sales Tax Hike Puts Chicago at No. 1 in the Nation
A new plan passed by the General Assembly will raise the Regional Transportation Authority sales tax by 0.25 percentage points across six counties, giving Chicago the highest combined sales tax rate of any major city in America at 10.5 percent. During veto session, I voted NO, calling it another hit to working families who are already paying some of the highest taxes in the nation.
The measure increases the RTA tax in Cook County from 1 percent to 1.25 percent starting in 2026, with similar increases in the collar counties. Despite the Governor’s past promises to oppose broad-based tax hikes, he has signaled support for this plan.
I want to note the economic consequences of higher sales taxes, especially for low-income families, and warn that taxpayers will continue crossing county and state lines to avoid Chicago-area rates, hurting local businesses in the process.
With riders still at only 70 percent of pre-pandemic levels, the true stability for the RTA should come from reform and cost savings, not higher taxes.
Read the full story and see the full rank at illinoispolicy.org.
Senate Republicans Question Illinois’ High SNAP Error Rate
During a recent Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) hearing, Republican lawmakers pressed state officials over major failures in the administration of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
At the November 18th hearing, representatives from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) were questioned about persistent errors within the food assistance program. Recent reports show Illinois now has one of the highest SNAP error rates in the nation.
Since 2017, the state’s error rate has nearly doubled, reaching 11.56 percent in 2024. Under federal law, states with error rates above 10 percent must repay 15 percent of the total value of their SNAP benefits, potentially costing Illinois millions of dollars if the problem continues.
I believe taxpayers deserve transparency and accountability, saying the state-administered program provides critical support to families and that continued mismanagement jeopardizes both recipients and taxpayer dollars.
SNAP provides food assistance to low-income households to help supplement their grocery budgets.
Digital IDs Available to Illinoisans
Illinoisans are now able to use digital driver’s licenses and state IDs on their smartphones after the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office announced the launch of a new mobile ID program.
Under the new digital ID program, residents can now add their driver’s license or state ID to their iPhone Apple wallets, with future plans to roll out support for Google and Samsung wallet users next year.
To add a digital ID on an iPhone, tap the “plus” button in the top right corner in the wallet app, select “driver’s license and ID cards,” and then follow the prompts. Citizens will be required to scan their physical IDs to complete the process.
Illinois joins a growing number of states adopting digital IDs, including Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, and Utah.
Mobile IDs became available on November 11th, with additional system expansions anticipated next year.
Firearm Deer Season Safety
The Illinois Firearm Deer Hunting Season is underway, scheduled for November 21st to November 23rd and December 4th to December 7th.
As hunters prepare to head back into the field, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) emphasizes that safety should be their top priority. Last year, tree stands were the leading cause of hunting-related accidents and fatalities. Falling from a tree stand can result in serious injuries, including broken bones, spinal injuries, paralysis, concussions, organ damage, and even death.
To ensure the safety of Illinois hunters, the IDNR recommends using a fall arrest system with a safety harness. Before each use, inspect your tree stand for wear and tear, and use a haul line to safely raise unloaded firearms, bows, and other essential equipment. It is also vital to bring a cell phone and inform a friend or loved one about your hunting location and expected return time to ensure a safe trip. Additionally, hunters are encouraged to avoid the use of drugs and alcohol before and during their hunts.
For more information about safe hunting practices, visit the IDNR’s Hunter Safety Website.
IDOT Warns about Text Message Scams
Illinois residents are being warned about an ongoing phishing scam disguised as a text message from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).
The scam claims recipients owe money for traffic tickets, toll violations, or other unpaid fines. Some messages threaten consequences such as additional fees or legal action if the recipient does not respond immediately.
State officials emphasize that IDOT does not send unsolicited text messages demanding payment for tolls, tickets, or penalties. Legitimate notices involving fines are sent through the mail.
Drivers who are concerned about unpaid tolls or fees are advised to verify their status directly by logging into their Illinois Tollway account.
Suspicious messages should not be answered or clicked. Instead, residents are encouraged to report phishing attempts to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov or to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).