Rep. Bunting’s Springfield news update for September 12

In this issue:

• State's August revenue report is in
• Next week is Farm Safety Week
• Free paper shredding event Saturday morning in Streator
• Remembering 9/11

State's August revenue report is in

The state's revenue report for the month of August from the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability is in, and it shows gains in a few areas are making up for flat revenue in several others.

The report looks at the state's cash flow and considers overall economic figures to make projections about the fiscal prospects of the state. This month it warned about stalled economic growth and continuing pressure from inflation.

In August, the state experienced slow growth. Income tax receipts were actually up in comparison with this time last year, but trends were flat or negative in other revenue sources like corporate income tax payments and the state's cigarette tax. Cigarette tax revenue in particular has been in a long-term decline because fewer Illinoisans are smoking conventional cigarettes, opting instead for e-cigarettes or nicotine pouches. However, as part of this year's state budget package, Democrats enacted a major tax increase on non-cigarette tobacco products.

You can find the full report here.

Next week is Farm Safety Week

Did you know that farming is one of our country's most dangerous professions? September 15-21 has been designated as Farm Safety Week in the State of Illinois to call attention to these dangers and how to prevent them.

Each year the farming profession sees over 500 deaths nationwide, according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor. Tractor overturns are among the leading causes, but accidents in grain storage facilities are another. Large animals, hazardous chemicals, and extreme weather conditions are just a few of the many dangers which farmers confront each day. On top of all this is the issue of highway safety when other motorists are sharing the road with farm implements - an issue that affects everyone on the road, farmers and non-farmers alike. It is also important to encourage farmers to take care of their mental health as well.

Each year, right around the start of harvest season, we set aside this week to stress the importance of farm safety. Take some time this coming week to focus on ways to stay safe on the farm and things you can do to keep others safe as well. And feel free to share your ideas about ways to keep farmers safe by reaching out to me by phone or through RepBunting.com.

Free paper shredding event Saturday morning in Streator

On Saturday I am hosting a FREE paper shredding event in Streator.

This is a good opportunity to protect yourself from identity theft by safely and securely shredding your old confidential documents.

We will be at Bruce Township Hall, located at 216 N. Sterling Street in Streator from 9 a.m. until noon. This is a drive-up event so you can just pull up and drop off your documents. Anyone who wishes to stay and see their documents go into the shredder may do so. My staff and I will be on hand to talk about any state government concerns you might have.

I hope to see you there!

Remembering 9/11

Thank you to the Paxton P.R.I.D.E. Group for inviting me to speak at the Annual Never Forget 9/11 Memorial Event under the Grand Old Flag this week. This day serves as a solemn reminder of the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, including the brave first responders who ran toward danger to save others. It was an honor to join our community in remembering the victims, honoring the heroes, and reflecting on the unity we all felt as Americans in the days that followed.

The PBL High School Band and Chorus did a fantastic job with their performances, and I truly enjoyed seeing the motorcycles passing through town as part of the remembrance. Events like this ensure that we continue to pass on the lessons of that day to future generations-may we always remember and never forget.

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 $2,813,221,815. This figure changes daily. Last year at this time the state had $2.3 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 home prices on the rise as supply concerns grow

17 cases of West Nile Virus confirmed in Illinois

Farmers and ag haulers can apply for free Illinois Harvest Permit to exceed weight limits

Standing up for first responders