Illinois Department of Transportation
Recent News About Illinois Department of Transportation
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Local sales tax changes effective from July 1, 2024
Effective from July 1, 2024, certain taxing jurisdictions have implemented a local sales tax or modified their local sales tax rate on general merchandise sales. For further details, refer to the FY 2024-25 Sales Tax Rate Change Summary, which is effective from July 1, 2024.
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Illinois sees payroll jobs increase while unemployment rate remains stable in April
The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced that the state's unemployment rate remained steady at 4.8 percent in April, while nonfarm payrolls saw an increase of 7,300. This data is based on preliminary information provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and released by IDES. The revised unemployment rate for March was also 4.8 percent, with no change from the preliminary March unemployment rate.
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Governor Pritzker joins forces with state leaders for Mental Health Awareness Month
SPRINGFIELD, IL – Governor JB Pritzker has joined forces with state leaders, mental health advocates, and others to commemorate Mental Health Awareness Month and discuss ongoing state initiatives aimed at improving services for individuals grappling with mental health issues and their families. The Governor participated in a roundtable discussion on Wednesday, May 15, at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield. This event was organized by the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative and also highlighted the success of the Certified Recovery...
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Illinois Department of Public Health launches 2024 Healthy Illinois Survey
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has commenced the 2024 Healthy Illinois Survey, a comprehensive statewide initiative aimed at gathering crucial data on health and wellness in the region, as well as identifying areas where public health measures can be enhanced.
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Illinois releases playbook for future public health emergencies
On the eve of the anniversary marking the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) declarations put in place at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the State of Illinois has released a playbook detailing measures to prepare for future public health emergencies and recommendations for future administrations.
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Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology to Host Virtual Event for Global Accessibility Awareness Day
The Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology has announced a virtual celebration for Global Accessibility Awareness Day, scheduled for May 16, 11:00 - 12:00. The event aims to raise awareness about accessibility issues and the impact on individuals with disabilities.During the event, the department will provide updates on changes in accessibility laws and discuss the importance of accessibility for Illinoisans with disabilities. They will also address ways to make "everyday IT" more accessible.In a statement, the organizers urged interested individuals to sign up...
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IDPH Marks Gun Lock Distribution Milestone
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has reached a significant achievement in its efforts to enhance firearm safety as it has recently surpassed the distribution of over 100,000 free gun locks since the inception of the statewide initiative less than a year ago.In collaboration with the Illinois State Police and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, IDPH introduced the “Together for a Safer Illinois” campaign to assist gun owners in securing their firearms and ensuring that they do not end up in unauthorized hands. The primary aim of the...
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Asian Longhorned Tick Confirmed in Illinois
Illinois has become the 20th state in the U.S. to confirm the presence of the Asian longhorned tick. The discovery was made during routine active tick surveillance in Morgan County, as part of an Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) grant-funded program. Additional surveillance in the area revealed two more of these invasive ticks.Entomologists at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed the identification of the Asian longhorned tick, which was first introduced to the U.S. in 2017. This marks the first known collection of this tick species in...
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Pritzker Administration Issues Next Round of Conditional Adult Use Cannabis Dispensary Licenses
CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) have announced the issuance of 35 additional Conditional Adult Use Dispensing Organization Licenses to applicants from the Social Equity Criteria Lottery (SECL). The issuance of these licenses is a significant step towards ensuring equity in the cannabis industry in Illinois.Governor JB Pritzker emphasized the importance of equity in the cannabis industry, stating, “Today’s announcement is yet another success story for Illinois placing equity at the forefront of...
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Illinois Department of Public Health Urges Residents to ‘Fight the Bite’ During Lyme Disease Awareness Month
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is urging the public to educate themselves on how to protect against ticks and Lyme disease as National Lyme Disease Awareness Month kicks off. IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra highlighted the importance of being informed, stating, “Lyme disease is an infection that individuals can get from the bite of infected ticks – and it is the most common vector-borne illness in the United States with more than 500,000 people diagnosed and treated each year.”To help raise awareness and educate the public, IDPH has created resources such...
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STEAM Newsletter Vol. 41: Summer Fun and Learning Opportunities
The latest STEAM Newsletter Vol. 41 is brimming with exciting summer fun and learning opportunities for students and educators alike. As we approach the end of the school year, the newsletter highlights various programs and events aimed at enhancing knowledge, cultivating interests in STEAM domains, and acquiring new skills. Summer camps and professional development opportunities are on the horizon, with public universities in Illinois offering a diverse array of programs. From kindergarten through 12th grade, Chicago State University, Eastern Illinois University,...
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First Bird in Illinois Tests Positive for West Nile Virus in Douglas County
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has announced that the first bird to test positive for West Nile virus in Illinois for 2024 was found in Douglas County. The specimen was collected in Villa Grove on April 2 by Douglas County Health Department staff. This early detection of the virus comes after a mild winter and spring.IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra emphasized the importance of taking precautions against mosquito-borne diseases, stating, “The news of the first bird with West Nile virus so early in the season is a signal for Illinois residents to begin...
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Illinois Announces Change in Motor Fuel Use Tax Rate for Second Half of 2024
Illinois Motor Fuel Use Tax is comprised of two parts, Part A and Part B. This tax is reported and paid by licensees under the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA). The rates listed here are effective July 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024, for use on the quarterly IFTA returns. For more information, see FY 2024-24, Change in the Motor Fuel Use Tax Rate, Effective July 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024.
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IDPH, State Water Survey Remind Private Well Owners to Test for Potential Contaminants
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) are reminding Illinois private well-owners to properly maintain their wells and recommend that they test their wells for potential contaminants."Testing for contaminants is a simple and effective way to ensure that private wells are safe and do not pose a health risk," said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. "We encourage all private well owners to take the necessary steps to protect themselves and everyone in their households.""We tell well owners almost every day that testing is an...
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Motor Fuel Tax Rate to Change Effective July 1, 2024
Effective July 1, 2024, a significant change is set to take place in the motor fuel tax rate for various fuel types. According to a statement released, "As of July 1, 2024, the motor fuel tax rate will change for diesel, gasoline, LPG, LNG, and CNG." This alteration is expected to have an impact on consumers and businesses alike.For further details and specifics regarding this upcoming adjustment, interested parties are encouraged to refer to the FY Bulletin 2024-23. The bulletin, titled "Change in the Motor Fuel Tax Rate, Effective July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025,"...
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New Report Highlights Improvements Under New DPR Leadership
Acting Director of Professional Regulation, Camile Lindsay, recently shared insights on the advancements made under her leadership. Lindsay stated, "Under new Acting Director of Professional Regulation Camile Lindsay’s leadership, we’re streamlining our processes and taking proactive steps to improve efficiencies for the review of professional licensure applications."The Division of Professional Regulation has released a report titled “Reimagining Illinois: A Six-Month Review of the Division of Professional Regulation." In this report, stakeholders can "learn more about...
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As Respiratory Virus Season Winds Down, Virus Levels Continue Downward Trend Across Illinois
CHICAGO – With the respiratory virus season continuing to wind down, Illinois’ overall respiratory virus level is now Minimal and all counties in the state are at Low level for COVID-19 hospitalizations, according to CDC data for the week ending April 20. The total number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Illinois declined 22% during the same week, according to the CDC COVID Data Tracker."I am happy to see the continued decline in respiratory viruses across the state," said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. "As the respiratory season winds down, I want to make Illinoisians...
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IDOA & IDPH Monitoring H5N1 Influenza in Dairy Cattle
SPRINGFIELD, IL – While no cases have been reported in Illinois, federal agencies confirmed the detection of H5N1 influenza virus in dairy herds in eight states across the U.S. The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are working closely to monitor the situation and are jointly coordinating prevention and response measures. This includes working with producer groups and partner organizations to promote education to veterinarians and cattle farmers on the clinical signs of H5N1 influenza so that potential infections...
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Jobs Up in Majority of Metro Areas in March
SPRINGFIELD – The latest data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security revealed that job growth in Illinois has seen a positive trend in several metropolitan areas for the year ending March 2024.Deputy Governor Andy Manar expressed his satisfaction with the progress, stating, "Job growth continues to reach areas in every corner of the state throughout industries, creating new and expanded job opportunities for Illinois workers."Among the metro areas experiencing significant increases in total nonfarm jobs were...