State Representative Jason Bunting (il) | Representative Jason Bunting (R) 106th District
State Representative Jason Bunting (il) | Representative Jason Bunting (R) 106th District
Legislation co-sponsored by Rep. Bunting to support survivors of human trafficking in Illinois has been signed into law. House Bill 5465, which passed both houses unanimously this spring, eases the legal process for those who have been trafficked to have their juvenile criminal records expunged or sealed if they were forced to take part in criminal acts while being trafficked.
“The new law will take steps to ensure that a victim’s past does not continue to follow them around,” said Rep. Bunting. “It will ease some of the pain faced by those who are trafficked and abused.” Members of the public can report suspected trafficking through the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced that the state’s unemployment rate increased to 5.2% in July from 5.0% in June. Job losses were most significant in manufacturing, leisure and hospitality, as well as trade, transportation, and utilities sectors, while gains were noted in government, private education, and health services.
Illinois’ economic challenges were further highlighted by Morton Salt's announcement of relocating its headquarters to Kansas after over a century in Illinois. RhinoAg also plans to close its Gibson City facility and move operations to Alabama by next March.
Rep. Bunting expressed concern: "My office is looking into ways that we can assist these workers going forward."
Residents of the 106th District participated in a school supply drive organized by Rep. Bunting’s office this summer. The initiative aimed at providing students with necessary supplies for the upcoming school year was met with strong community support.
“A huge thank you to everyone who donated school supplies to our Back-to-School Supply Drive!” said Rep. Bunting.
Currently, Illinois has $1,360,472,768 in unpaid bills awaiting payment by the Comptroller’s office. This figure changes daily but reflects an increase from last year when it stood at $1.3 billion.
In other news:
- Corn and soybean yields see record numbers despite price drops.
- Unique facts about Illinois.
- Union Pacific ‘Big Boy’ train visiting Central Illinois.
- Introduction of Illinois' official state mushroom, the 'giant puffball'.
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