Rep. Bunting’s Springfield news update for December 12

In this issue:

• Income tax revenue up, sales tax revenue down
• SAFE-T Act reform has to be a priority
• $45 fee coming for those in airports without REAL IDs
• Farm Bureau annual meeting

Income tax revenue up, sales tax revenue down

The latest report on state tax revenue found two of the largest sources of tax revenue moving in opposite directions.

According to the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability's November briefing, during the month of November income tax cash flows were up by $242 million compared to one year ago, but sales tax cash flows declined by $81 million.

Analysts pointed to the Illinois "tax amnesty" in early November of this year as a possible reason for the upward spike in income tax payments during the month. The tax amnesty made it possible for those who owed past-due income taxes to make payments while avoiding certain penalties, which encouraged some with past-due bills to make payments.

The sales tax data is concerning, especially with the holiday shopping season swinging into high gear. It could indicate a negative economic outlook as people are more reluctant to spend money. The data suggest that many Illinoisans have a cautious attitude toward their family's financial picture, and that it is affecting spending patterns and sales tax cash flows.

SAFE-T Act reform has to be a priority

Since 2021 Illinois has had a controversial law on the books which has made our state less safe. The SAFE-T Act makes it harder for law enforcement to hold dangerous criminals in jail after they are arrested and charged with crimes. All over the state there have been incidents in which someone who should have been held was released from jail only to commit another crime.

Last month an especially high-profile example occurred in Chicago. A passenger on a subway train was doused with gasoline and set on fire. Thankfully, in spite of critical injuries, the victim survived the attack.

Police arrested a suspect and soon found that he had previously been arrested on serious criminal charges and then released on what a local court called "home confinement." In this case, the alleged offender had 72 prior arrests. This time, the case has been removed from the jurisdiction of the Illinois law, and the alleged offender has been charged by the federal government with an act of terrorism.

How many more of these stories is it going to take before the Governor and a majority of the legislature realize that we need to change the law to let police and courts detain those they arrest for dangerous crimes? Governor Pritzker, who signed the SAFE-T Act into law in 2021, said recently that he would be open to some revisions. Republicans have offered solutions and reforms each year, either by repealing dangerous parts of the law or strengthening penalties for violations. This coming spring session needs to be the year that we finally act to improve public safety.

$45 fee coming for those in airports without REAL IDs

The federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced plans to begin charging a $45 fee to air travelers who do not have REAL ID, effective February 1. TSA says the fee is necessary to help pay for the costs of the supplemental security check procedure for those seeking to fly without the federally compliant identification card.

After many long delays, Illinois began rolling out REAL IDs a few years ago. They are distinguishable by the white star printed inside a gold circle on an Illinois driver's licenses for those who have submitted a valid application to the Secretary of State's office. The application requires that an applicant present several documents intended to create proof of legal residency in the United States.

The Illinois Secretary of State has created a REAL ID website to help Illinoisans walk through the process of gathering the required documents and completing their application.

Farm Bureau annual meeting

I was proud to join my colleagues at the Illinois Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Chicago!

I am grateful for the chance to keep advocating for agriculture and our rural communities in Springfield. There is nothing better than seeing my two passions come together!

Congratulations and best wishes to Philip Nelson of Seneca, who was elected as the Illinois Farm Bureau's 17^th President!

Our current bill backlog

When a vendor provides the state with goods and services, they submit the bill to the Illinois Comptroller for payment. The Comptroller processes the paperwork and pays the bill when funds are available in the state's checking account. Currently the total amount of unpaid bills is $1,425,459,767. This figure changes daily. Last year at this time the state had $2.6 billion in bills awaiting payment. This only includes bills submitted to the Comptroller for payment, not unfunded debts like the state's pension liability, which is well over $100 billion.

Illinois headlines

Illinois State Police honor heroes at annual awards ceremony

AT&T planning to end landline service in Illinois

Illinois Specialty Growers Association offers shop local online resource

Livingston County Young Leader wins Discussion Meet

Illinois doctors offer advice to stay warm in freezing cold

OSHA's unofficial guidelines for safe holiday decorating