ILLINOIS STATE NEWS BRIEF (11/21/2024)

(SPRINGFIELD) Illinois’ unfunded pension liability compared to personal income is the second worst in the U.S., according to a nationwide report from Fitch Ratings, Inc. Behind only Connecticut, Illinois’ unfunded pension liability and other post employment benefits is at $206.5 billion, which takes up to nearly 23 percent of the state’s personal income total.

(CHICAGO) Metro Staff, Inc. has settled with the State of Illinois to resolve allegations that the company entered into no-poach agreements and engaged in wage fixing with two other staffing agencies. The Illinois Attorney General’s Office reports the $1.8 million will help compensate temporary workers impacted by the activity. Similar settlements were also agreed upon with Colony Display LLC and with Elite Staffing Inc. earlier this year in August.

(SPRINGFIELD) Labor activists were in Springfield yesterday to push for an end to tipped wages. The One Fair Wage groups says lawmakers need to rally against the incoming Trump administration. However, those in favor of such a plan say it should be about the workers and what’s best for them, not about the unions. Downstate Republicans say the state needs to make way for the possibility of no taxes on tips, a campaign pledge by many this year.

(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office is holding another pop-up event on this Thursday, with very little advanced notice to the public, as it tries to get statewide residents REAL ID compliant state identification. The appointment-only event is being held at the Abraham Lincoln Capitol Airport in Springfield. Effective May 7th, next year, in 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will require airline passengers to present REAL ID to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings like military bases and courts.