McLean County Times

Representative Bunting's Springfield news update for March 28 covered a range of important topics and events. In terms of public safety, the Truth in Public Safety working group introduced the Community Protection Act, a series of bills aimed at improving public safety, supporting law enforcement, and assisting crime victims. The chair of the working group emphasized the importance of holding criminals accountable and restoring law and order in Illinois.

Regarding economic news, it was reported that the unemployment rate in Illinois rose slightly in February, moving from 4.7% to 4.8%. Job growth was noted in sectors such as Government and Leisure and Hospitality, while the Manufacturing sector experienced a decline. Representative Bunting highlighted the challenges faced by Illinois in terms of unemployment compared to national rates.

During his visit to Springfield, Representative Bunting toured Colmac Coil Manufacturing Inc., a company known for manufacturing heating and cooling coils. He also visited One Earth Energy, an ethanol plant in the 106th district. Both tours provided insights into the operations and contributions of these businesses to their respective industries.

In addition, the article mentioned the state's current bill backlog, with unpaid bills totaling over $1 billion. This figure has decreased compared to the previous year, indicating progress in managing the state's financial obligations.

Overall, Representative Bunting's update touched on key issues including public safety, unemployment, local business tours, and the state's financial status. The news update provided a comprehensive overview of recent developments and initiatives in Springfield.