McLean County Times

Rep. Bunting’s Springfield news update for September 13, 2024

Free Paper Shredding Event Coming Up Saturday Morning

Tomorrow morning, Rep. Bunting will host a free shred truck event in Gilman at the Ford-Iroquois Farm Bureau office, located at 1381 S. Crescent Street from 9 a.m. until noon. The event offers an opportunity to safely and securely shred old, confidential documents. Attendees can drive up without leaving their cars as staff will unload and shred the documents. Rep. Bunting and his team will be available to answer questions about state government or provide information on state programs.

Collecting Food for Our Food Pantries

In conjunction with September being declared “Hunger Action Month,” non-perishable food items will be collected for local food pantries during the shred truck event. "Far too many of our neighbors deal with food insecurity," said Rep. Bunting. "You can help by supporting our local food pantries, which do such good work helping those in need in our local communities." For more information on Saturday’s events, contact Rep. Bunting's office at (779) 218-3070.

Visit to LyondellBasell in Morris and Nucor Tubular in Marseilles

Rep. Bunting recently visited LyondellBasell in Morris and Nucor Tubular in Marseilles. "LyondellBasell is a global leader in innovation and is very proud to be at the forefront of advancements in the world of chemistry," he noted. The company develops high-quality chemicals, polymers, fuels, and technologies while giving back to local communities through various programs.

Regarding Nucor Tubular, Rep. Bunting stated: "Nucor is North America’s largest steel producer and recycler of any material." He added that they produce over one-quarter of the total steel made in the United States and are among the world's cleanest and most efficient steelmakers.

State Revenue Was Almost Flat in August

According to a monthly revenue report from the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, state revenues increased by only 1.5% in August 2024 compared to August 2023 due to inflation causing prices and services to rise more than 1.5%. Personal income tax receipts fell by $54 million compared to last year, reflecting an increase in unemployment from 4.4% last summer to 5.2% today.

Our Current Bill Backlog

The Illinois Comptroller processes payments for goods and services provided to the state when funds are available. Currently, unpaid bills total $2,296,355,292—a figure that changes daily—compared to $1.7 billion last year at this time.

Illinois Headlines

- Illinois’ Argonne National Laboratory will lead a national energy storage hub.

- How much of Illinois is covered by cornfields?

- The Illinois Commerce Commission encourages residents to utilize the FCC Lifeline program.

- IDNR announces bidding for agricultural leases from 2025-2029 will begin this fall.

- Did you get your kicks on Route 66?

- The 2024 Illinois grain tour hosts international buyers from nine countries.