Illinois — The Villagers Voice

Gov. Pritzker Signs Transformative Legislation Establishing Illinois as a National Leader on Climate Action Legislation Charts a Path To 100% Clean Energy Future by 2050

September 16, 2021 by Villagers Voice

Ensures Equity is Prioritized in Just Transition to Green Economy

Delivering on principles previously laid out, Governor JB Pritzker signed landmark legislation into law that puts the state on a path toward 100% clean energy, invests in training a diverse workforce for the jobs of the future, institutes key ratepayer and residential customer protections, and prioritizes meaningful ethics and transparency reforms. Illinois is the first state in the Midwest to enact legislation to combat the climate crisis and build an economy for the future. [Read more...]

Rep. Niemerg and Rep. Wilhour Agree ISBE has been Acting Outside of Administrative Code by Pulling School Recognitions

September 16, 2021 by Villagers Voice

On Tuesday, the request by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) that the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) needs to submit clarifying rules on the recognition status process of public and private schools in Illinois is a first indication that common sense may be entering this 18-month controversy. [Read more...]

Joint Press Release from Southern Illinois Community College Presidents

September 14, 2021 by Kathy Sands

"Our local community colleges are working hard to develop and operationalize mitigation protocols at our various campuses. Our region has for many weeks now been an area with a dangerously high transmission rate of COVID-19. While each of our campuses will implement procedures that best fit our campus communities, it is essential to recognize that we are unified in our message and our adherence to state and federal guidance and orders regarding vaccination and testing. It is vital to note that we are unified in ensuring our students and staff can visit our campuses, knowing that their safety is our top priority. [Read more...]

Senator Bailey: Senate looks to strip property rights in newly passed Energy Bill

September 14, 2021 by Villagers Voice

State Senator Darren Bailey (R-Louisville) has released the following statement following the passage of Senate Bill 2408 today:

“The passage of this dangerous energy bill is an attack on the people of our state and their pocketbooks. While Democrats may want to tout a victory today, realistically I see more obstacles ahead and hardships for families and farmers. [Read more...]

Gov. Pritzker Statement on the Senate Passage of Historic Climate Legislation

September 14, 2021 by Kathy Sands

Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement on the Senate passage of the comprehensive energy package, Senate Bill 2408, that puts consumers and the climate first:
“Today, with the Senate passage of SB 2408, the State of Illinois is making history by setting aggressive standards for a 100 percent clean energy future. After years of debate and discussion, science has prevailed, and we are charting a new future that works to mitigate the impacts of climate change here in Illinois. [Read more...]

Rep. Niemerg Opposed IL ‘Green New Deal’: Will Cause Extreme Heartache for So. Ill. Families and Manufacturing Jobs with the Highest Rate Increase in IL History

September 10, 2021 by Villagers Voice

State Representative Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) voted no on the newest version of the ‘green new deal’ legislation passed in the Illinois House last night. This version is expected to go to the Illinois Senate for their consideration on Monday. Senate Bill 2408 is nearly 1,000 pages long and contains several sweeping provisions that will have both short-term and long-term negative effects on the state’s energy portfolio. Some of the items in this version include: [Read more...]

Gov. Pritzker Statement on the House Passage of the Landmark Energy Package

September 10, 2021 by Villagers Voice

Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement on the House passage of the comprehensive energy package, Senate Bill 2408, that he says puts consumers and the climate first: [Read more...]

Guest Column: The Most Targeted Oil & Gas ‘Subsidies’ Aren’t Subsidies at All

September 7, 2021 by Villagers Voice

By Seth Whitehead, Executive Director Illinois Petroleum Resources Board (IPRB)

Fifty-plus lawmakers are pushing for the repeal of oil and natural gas industry “subsidies” as part of the budget reconciliation bill being hashed out in Congress. But ironically, the most notable “subsidies” in their crosshairs – the expensing of intangible drilling costs (IDCs) and the percentage depletion allowance – aren’t subsidies at all. [Read more...]