New Lawsuit Seeks to End Governor Pritzker’s Harmful Sanctuary Policies
With the U.S. Department of Justice’s filing a lawsuit against the City of Chicago, the State of Illinois, and Cook County over sanctuary laws, Senator Balkema and many other Republican state legislators are demanding that Gov. Pritzker support the repeal of the Trust Act, which restricts cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
The DOJ’s lawsuit, filed Feb. 6, accuses these jurisdictions of hindering federal immigration enforcement by limiting local law enforcement’s ability to work with ICE. Chicago has become a major focus of ICE operations.
Gov. Pritzker’s policies are putting Illinois families at risk by prioritizing political agendas over public safety.
Under the Trust Act, Illinois law enforcement is prohibited from:
- Transferring violent criminals to ICE except under very limited conditions.
- Sharing critical information about violent criminals with ICE.
- Participating in federal immigration enforcement, even when dealing with dangerous individuals.
Gov. Pritzker’s defiance of federal law has created legal obstacles that shield violent offenders from deportation, leaving Illinois communities vulnerable. This lawsuit seeks to hold the Governor accountable for these dangerous decisions and restore law enforcement’s ability to remove violent criminals from our streets.
Senator Balkema believes that Gov. Pritzker must immediately support the repeal of the Trust Act and back legislation that empowers local law enforcement to cooperate with federal authorities.
“The safety of Illinois families shouldn’t take a backseat to political agendas. Our governor must not protect violent offenders but instead cooperate with federal authorities to ensure they are deported,” said Senator Balkema. “His continued support for the Trust Act has tied the hands of law enforcement, preventing them from sharing critical information and transferring dangerous criminals to ICE. This lawsuit is a direct consequence of those policies.”
Senator Balkema continued, “We need to restore law enforcement’s ability to protect our communities and ensure violent criminals are removed before more innocent lives are put at risk. It’s time to correct these dangerous policies and put public safety ahead of politics.”
Illinois Taxpayers: Don’t Miss Out on Key Tax Credits for 2024!
The Illinois Department of Revenue is reminding eligible taxpayers to claim available tax credits when filing their 2024 income tax returns to reduce their tax liability or increase refunds.
Senator Balkema encourages all Illinoisans to take advantage of the available tax credits when filing their 2024 returns. With many families facing financial challenges, these credits provide important relief by reducing tax burdens or increasing refunds. He emphasizes the importance of reviewing eligibility for these credits, as they can significantly benefit individuals and families across the state.
Key Tax Credits for 2024:
- Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Available for low-to-moderate-income working individuals. To qualify, taxpayers must file a return and meet income and age requirements.
- Illinois Child Tax Credit (CTC): A new credit for 2024, worth 20% of the Illinois EITC, for taxpayers who qualify for EITC and have a child under 12. The credit will increase to 40% in 2025.
- Volunteer Emergency Worker Credit (VEW): Available for qualified volunteer emergency workers with a certificate from MyTax Illinois.
- Education Expense Credit: Offers a 25% credit on qualifying educational expenses over $250 for parents or guardians of full-time K-12 students.
- Illinois Property Tax Credit: A 5% credit for property taxes paid on a principal residence.
For more details, visit HERE or call 1-800-732-8866.
Spring 2025: A Dry and Normal Season Expected in Illinois
The Old Farmer’s Almanac has released its Spring 2025 forecast for the U.S., including Illinois. Founded in 1792, The Old Farmer’s Almanac is the nation’s oldest continuously published periodical, known for its weather forecasts, gardening advice, and lifestyle tips.
The outlook calls for a dry Spring with normal temperatures across the state. The southern region of the state will see cool, dry conditions, while the northwestern section of Illinois will experience warmer, dry weather.
With a claimed accuracy rate of 80%, the Almanac relies on solar patterns and historical weather data to predict trends. As the organization explains, its forecasts are based on 30-year statistical averages prepared by government meteorological agencies.
The Almanac’s Spring forecast offers Illinoisans a reliable early look at the weather for the season ahead.