Illinois
Illinois reports paying its bills on time and in full
The Illinois state comptroller reported a 55% year-over-year increase in the end-of-year general revenue fund cash balance as her office paid the state’s bills in a timely manner, a departure from recent years when the state’s unpaid bill backlogs topped $10 billion.
Illinois ended the fiscal year with a $1.7 billion balance in the general revenue fund, up from last year’s $1.1 billion, said State Comptroller Susana Mendoza.
That stands in stark contrast to roughly a decade ago, when a
Illinois State Comptroller’s office
When Mendoza took office in late 2016, she inherited a
By last year, the
The rainy-day fund is now projected to reach $2.3 billion by June 2025, according to Mendoza’s office.
“It’s dramatic, and it’s been a priority of the administration, the General Assembly and our office to build that up,” said Abdon Pallasch, spokesperson for the comptroller. “It’s something that the rating agencies have mentioned when they’re evaluating Illinois bonds, they’d like to see a better rainy day fund. And they’ve been noting the progress.”
Moody’s Ratings in April revised the state’s outlook to positive from stable and assigned a rating of A3 to the state’s new GOs. S&P Global Ratings assigns an A-minus long-term rating to the state’s GO bonds, a BBB-plus rating on its appropriation-backed debt and a BBB-minus on the state’s moral obligation debt; the outlook is stable.
Fitch Ratings assigns an A-minus long-term rating with a stable outlook to the state’s general obligation unlimited tax debt and GO bonds. Kroll Bond Rating Agency rates the state’s Build Illinois Bonds AA-plus with a stable outlook.
The state is
“The state’s progress in improving its structural budget alignment, paying down liabilities and building its budgetary reserves all place it on a positive credit trajectory, but the stable rating outlook continues to reflect our view that there remain meaningful upside constraints that keep it separate from more highly rated states,” S&P director Scott Nees said in an April statement.
The state pension systems remain underfunded, and a proposed change by Pritzker’s administration to raise funding levels from the current statute’s requirement of 90% to the actuarially-recommended 100%
Mendoza has pushed to make extra payments into the state pension systems and the rainy-day fund. She now says she plans to take advantage of a new law permitting the comptroller’s office to pre-pay the required monthly pension payments.
The provision, proposed by Mendoza, was included in the budget implementation bill passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by Pritzker last month. Previously, the law did not permit additional payments to the pension systems beyond the set monthly payments required by statute. The comptroller is now able to make additional payments.
“This will enable the [retirement] systems to plan accordingly and keep more of the pension funds in their investment portfolios,” Mendoza said in a statement.
“With the pensions, every little bit helps, and when they’re not having to wait until the last minute, that means they don’t have to disrupt the investments they have going that get good returns,” said Pallasch. “It gives them the ability to plan… This helps combat the pension shortfall, so even less repair is needed going forward.”
Mendoza “would like to see even more,” Pallasch said. She’s proposed a bill that would trigger a 1% automatic monthly transfer into the state’s budget stabilization fund and pension stabilization fund when Illinois’ revenue growth is 4% or greater and the state’s bill backlog is under $3 billion.
The last version of that legislation,
Mendoza noted in a statement that the state generated 53% more in interest income than last fiscal year by keeping a healthy cash balance throughout 2024. It’s a far cry from the days when the state government
These real estate transactions, recorded the week of January 5, are compiled from information on file with Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford counties. They represent sales of $78,000 or more.
PEORIA COUNTY
523 S. Anna Ave., Peoria: Ortman Property Management LLC to Kimberly and Herschel Miller, $93,000.
3510 N. Kingston Drive, #5, Peoria: Jeffrey Imig and Judy Edwards to Tracy J. Sumrell, $100,000.
907 S. Manual Ave., Peoria: Debra Hurt and Brian Dewasme to Caleb Bowling, $103,900.
5122 N. Willard Road, Peoria Heights: Heights Properties LLC to Allison Smith, $105,000.
200 W. Virginia Ave., Peoria: Victoria L. Szmania to Brandon J. Jackson, $113,520.
312 S. Fourth St., Dunlap: F Street Investments LLC to Mark and Katelyn Stoller, $122,500.
609 W. Hudson St., Peoria: Timothy Shea to Isaac Vega, $123,500.
5112 W. Pfeiffer Road, Bartonville: Leslie L. Bowman to Brent T. Godsey, $124,900.
3563 W. Saymore Lane, Peoria: John M. and Tara Raine to Scott Hooste, $125,000.
614 N. Lammers Ave., West Peoria: 4115 N Chelsea LLC to Margaret Green, $130,000.
2011 W. Richwoods Blvd., Peoria: David and Erin Tankersley to Rylee Calzavara, $130,000.
814 W. Ridge Road, Peoria: Teresa A. Davis to Cynthia Chavez, $133,000.
1404 E. Moneta Ave., Peoria Heights: Federal National Mortgage Association to Matti Bielfeldt, $135,000.
5412 S. Juliette Drive, Bartonville: Makayla L. and Coby M. Donaldson to Ethan Ehnle, $144,000.
5203 Rutledge Ave., Bartonville: Richard J. and Deanna C. Merriman to Denise M. Merriman, $150,000.
3621 W. Richwoods Blvd., Peoria: 3623 Sterling LLC to Treyvon Graves, $152,000.
2209 W. Kensington Drive, Peoria: Lisa McFarlin to Tran Property Rentals LLC, $154,000.
15409 W. Glasford-Canton Road, Glasford: Bayley and Paige Carlile to Michael W. Schabatka, $155,000.
416 W. Maple St., Chillicothe: Brian E. and Taylor J. Moore to Andrew and Erynn Chirchirillo, $155,000.
611 W. Forest Lawn Ave., Peoria: Michael F. and Sandra L. Koch to Scotty Speagle, $160,000.
419 N. Lakeshore Drive, Hanna City: Brian J. Monge and David W. Hawkins to Seth E. and Chloe Stewart, $160,500.
310 W. Armstrong Ave., Peoria, and 1320 N. North St., Peoria: Scott A. and Sherrie Reed to Rebecca Ala, $165,900.
136 E. Oak Park Drive, Peoria: Brett Baldovin to Cory A. Tutaj, $172,500.
1124 N. Hushaw Ave., Chillicothe: Andrew J. and Keeley A. Ruhland to Noah and Mariah Ellis, $178,000.
4901 W. Pfeiffer Road, Bartonville: Jeremy Suddeth to Brayden Henry, $185,000.
4502 NW Scenic Drive, Peoria: Chris O’Niell Inc. to Rylee M. Joanis, $210,000.
317 N. Longbow Drive, Peoria: Makenzie K. Merriman and Jesse Page to Eric J. and Tamara E. Ruth, $214,000.
6311 N. Riviera Court, Peoria: Pedro P. and Kelly S. Orozco to Charles and Teara M. Howell, $220,000.
12700 W. Parks School Road, Princeville: Two G Farms LLC to Miles G. Smith, $250,000.
5118 W. Greenridge Court, Peoria: Kevin and Ellen Grohovena to Beth A. Hinchee, $259,900.
1516 E. Glen Ave., Peoria Heights: Robert L. Jr. and Kathleen F. Travers to Robert J. and Brooke N. Travers, $270,000.
2407 W. Miners Drive, Dunlap: Eithish Arisa and Sunitha Battu to Rachel K. Kangila and Pathou Kavena, $293,500.
3227 N. Knoxville Ave., Peoria: Mary L. Jacquin to Bradford Woodworth, $300,000.
19921 N. White Grove Road, Princeville: Theodore J. and Virginia Gilles to Nicholas B. and Brianna N. Milligan, $300,000.
1925 W. Courtside Drive, Peoria: Michael S.E. and Lisa T. Pace to Nucompass Mobility Services Inc., $325,000.
1925 W. Courtside Drive, Peoria: Nucompass Mobility Services Inc. to Suzanne Chave, $325,000.
13921 N. River Crest Drive, Chillicothe: Ryan W. and Thomas W. Blackorby to David C. and Columbia J. Ozuna, $359,900.
13628 N. Wild Spruce Lane, Chillicothe: Michael T. and Jennifer K. Swanson to Matthew E. and Megan Layne, $380,000.
6110 N. Oak Leaf Court, Peoria: Jay and Sara L. Bruer to Saleh N. Alarami and Nawa A. Dawadi, $422,000.
427 W. Westfield Court, Dunlap: William C. and Melissa N. Boley to Jose L. Reteguin and Maria T. Velasco Marquez Marlen, $539,900.
6100 N. Eagle Bend Court, Peoria: Associated Bank NA to Bonnie J. and Kenneth L. Humphrey, $800,000.
TAZEWELL COUNTY
1404 Matilda St., Pekin: B. Hayden & F.P. Ragland Investing LLC to Shannon Davies and George Stringham, $85,000.
235 Mount Aire Drive, East Peoria: Charlene R. and Jimmy F. Stevens to Daniel Z. Stevens, $90,534.
1515 N. 10th St., Pekin: Thomas Huff Jr. to NF Rentals LLC, $95,000.
557 Groveland St., Creve Coeur: Joshua L. Ristow to Andrew Pisel, $95,000.
2032 Broadway Road, Pekin: James E. Didonato to Generation Next Inc., $100,000.
315 Pekin Ave., East Peoria: Brandon and Crystal Gore to Bryce Conover, $105,000.
320 Lawndale Ave., Creve Coeur: Brian C. and Clara P. Hibbert to John H. Way Jr., $115,900.
132 McArthur St., North Pekin: Isabel Potts to James Greenacre, $116,000.
1004 Park Avenue, Pekin: Robert T. and Jennifer N. Buzdigian to Ian A. Smith and Autumn Spoor, $128,000.
1312 Sommerset St., Pekin: Kevin Goeken to William J. Forkell, $129,500.
1407 Lincoln St., Pekin: Austin Thomason to Adam Siefert, $140,000.
1005 Edison Court, Pekin: Jakob Bridenbaugh to Braden Cease, $152,000.
103 Mabee Ave., East Peoria: Eagle Property Management LLC to Philip Tharp, $160,000.
412 Whippoorwill Drive, Washington: Kristina M. and Patrick J. Shirley to Skyler R. Goode and Leah N. Kuykendall, $217,500.
27615 Schuck Road, Washington: Melody L. and Roland Campbell to Karen A. and Thomas D. Brecklin, $220,000.
27363 Broadway Road, Morton: Becky S. Watts to Shelby and Amanda Metzer, $225,000.
1400 Springfield Road, East Peoria: Bradley A. and Mckenzie Reeser to Zyrene D. Banas and Luke Barr, $230,500.
720 Lincoln St., Hopedale: Kevin and Lisa Litwiller to Benjamin and Kendra Litwiller, $241,000.
29585 Allentown Road, Mackinaw: John W. and Tobey L. Hauter to Alecia M. and Edward P. Hauter, $250,000.
922 Birchwood Drive, Washington: Anna J. and Kevin M. Koch to Samantha Sutter and Blake A. Sutter-Driggers, $263,000.
Parcel Number 23-23-05-200-007, Tazewell County: Sandra J. Morris to Luke Litwiller, $300,000.
2502 Plymouth Place, Pekin: Frederick J. and Pamela S. Dawson to Bradley J. and Jamie L. Siltman, $325,000.
2724 Broadway St., Pekin: Marjorie L. Fulton to Matthew and Rebekah Fulton, $349,500.
1707 W. Jefferson St., Morton: Ronald G. and Suzanne R. Reising to Brock A. Schwartz, $392,000.
108 Village Drive, Washington: Nelson Jeffery to Chong S. Calderon and Michael A. Marshall, $430,000.
2727 Aspen Court, Pekin: Lori L. Davis and Rhonda S. Ries to James K. Ruth, $442,500.
25901 E. Wildlife Road, Hopedale: Bright Blue Property Management LLC to Murphy Property Group LLC, $461,750.
623 Country Club Lane, Pekin: Edrick Ferguson to Cathryn S. and William M. Cash, $510,000.
1224 Autumn Ridge Court, Morton: Jiayan Sun and Zhihong Zhang to Brittain and Danielle Ladd, $580,000.
Parcel Number 23-23-05-200-007, Tazewell County: Sandra J. Morris to Edward J. and Rosemary E. Litwiller, $609,360.
2 Hunters Way, Washington: Beth and Matthew Lykens to Jennifer M. and Timothy M. Van Autreve, $649,900.
WOODFORD COUNTY
794 Northfork Road, Metamora: Steve Ahrens to Scott A. and Janet L. Huser, $125,000.
910 N. Church St., Roanoke: Hailey and Eric Schaefer to Jerry Frank, $170,000.
1285 Sunset Drive, East Peoria: Scott Vreeland to Brendan Kay, $267,500.
There is a growing adage now in recruiting of high school players that scholarship offers don’t quite mean what they used to.
Illinois’ offer to Neuqua Valley’s Mason Martin last month certainly meant a lot.
When a teen-aged kid ignites the interest of his “dream school” and the coaching staff’s pursuit is strong and rapid, the recruitment becomes legit and can go quickly.
In six months Martin went from a complete unknown to a Big Ten-bound player as the 6-5 junior ended his recruitment early, committing to Illinois.
“All of it is super surreal,” Martin said of the whirlwind recruitment. “I’m super grateful and thankful for all of it. Six months ago none of this was happening. Now I’m committed and locked in. I’m still kind of trying to process it all.”
Martin was only going to be kept under wraps for so long.
When you are able shoot the basketball with the range and efficiency that Martin does, you’re eventually going to be found and coveted.
Martin proved he was a Division I prospect over the spring and summer, both with his travel team, Breakaway, and his high school team during the June “live” periods. But the start of his junior season has been an absolute explosion, generating higher-level college interest.
Martin is putting up just over 19 points a game for a team that is 16-1 and ranked No. 9 while playing with one of the state’s elite players, sophomore Cole Kelly. The shooting, which is Martin’s calling card, has been exemplary. He’s already buried 62 three-pointers on the season on 146 attempts.
While that’s an ultra-impressive 42 percent for a high-volume shooter, it’s also about how he gets his shot off. Martin does so effortlessly and with a quick release.
Martin hit 11 three-pointers while scoring a career high 41 against West Aurora in the season opener. He averaged 23 points a game in helping Neuqua to the DeKalb Holiday Tournament title, including 34 points and eight threes in the championship.
Illinois pounced quickly on a player who has established himself as the state’s premier shooter. Martin will help any college program with his ability to space the floor.
“The relationship they built with me mattered,” Martin said.
Illinois came to several games, practices and open gyms. Martin said he felt genuine support and love while talking to all the coaches on the staff.
“I love everything about the program — the facilities, the coaching staff, the culture they have developed with their whole team, whether it’s on or off the court,” Martin said. “It’s one I wanted to be a part of and keep helping build.”
The recruitment and the decision came quickly. But Martin already had his eye on Illinois. He says when you combine the success of the program, the location and his own perception of the school, it became an easy decision.
“It’s really kind of my dream school coming into it,” Martin said. “And they’re a top 15 program in the country, a prestigious program that’s pretty close to home. That’s why I decided to do it so early, because I know it’s the right spot for me. I know I made the right decision.”
Martin says he’s already started a discussion with his high-profile, high-in-demand teammate Kelly about joining him in Champaign.
“We have definitely talked about it, but it’s mostly just making jokes about it right now,” Martin said with a laugh. “But I definitely have already started. He’s my favorite teammate I’ve ever played with, so being able to do that at the next level would be super fun.”
CHICAGO (WLS) — There was a new sign Thursday that Bally’s Chicago casino may not open their new facility this year, as previously expected.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
A bill filed in the Illinois legislature, would allow casino operators in chicago to extend their licenses at a temporary facility by up to 18 months.
Bally’s is the only casino operator in Chicago, with a temporary location in River North at the Medinah Temple Building, while it builds a permanent site along the Chicago River.
SEE ALSO | New Bally’s renderings revealed, as company says it secured funding for permanent Chicago casino
Bally’s said in a statement Thursday the bill allows them to continue operating the temporary casino “responsibly” through September 2027, if needed.
SEE ALSO | Bally’s Casino Chicago holds job fair for people interested in becoming card dealers
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