Gov. J.B. Pritzker is set to unveil a six-year, $41.5 billion plan to repair Illinois’ crumbling roads, bridges, public schools and university buildings in a massive proposal that calls for nearly $1.8 billion in new taxes and tax increases, according to documents provided to lawmakers at a Friday briefing.

Dubbed Rebuild Illinois, it would be the state’s first large-scale infrastructure improvement program in a decade and would result in higher costs for everything from ride-sharing to cable and streaming services, as well as a significant hike at the gas pump.

The long-awaited proposal, which comes as lawmakers are working to finalize the state budget before their schedule May 31 adjournment, received a lukewarm response from some of the governor’s fellow Democrats and pushback from some Republicans. The preliminary drafts distributed Friday follow behind-the-scenes negotiations with a bipartisan group of lawmakers. Changes are expected even before Pritzker makes a formal announcement next week.

Monday, May 20th, 2019

7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Dupage Twp Dems Campaign office

684 W Boughton Rd #100, Bolingbrook, IL 60440-1753

Hundreds of residents, professionals, public officials and volunteers attended the annual Hero Helps Summit on Friday in Romeoville to hear about the progress being made to tackle the opioid epidemic in Will County and throughout the state. 

Kathleen Burke, director of substance-use initiatives in the Will County Executive’s Office, spoke about the local effort to ensure users seeking help can get what they need. The county has seen multiple police departments implement a safe-passage program, which allows users to seek treatment.

 Burke also lauded the efforts of the Will County Drug Court, a diversion program that allows those with opioid-related charges to get treatment, graduate and get their record expunged so they can go on to live a productive life. Burke emphasized that treating addictions like lifelong diseases is the key to helping users and their families.