McLean County Times

Local fire departments in Illinois have the opportunity to apply for $5 million in grant funding aimed at rehabilitating or building new fire stations. The deadline for applications is February 28, 2025.

Illinois American Water plans to increase water rates in 2025. Customers are advised to review the details of this rate hike.

As coal plants close down across Illinois, there is an increasing reliance on battery solutions. However, these solutions are not yet capable of providing consistent power necessary for grid stability. "More grid battery storage needed as Illinois shutters its coal power plants," notes the Caucus Blog of the Illinois House Republicans.

Several new state laws will come into effect on January 1, 2025. These changes include adjustments to gun rights and driver's licenses regulations. "Appeals court keeps Illinois’ assault weapons ban in place," according to Capitol News Illinois.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (DFPR) has announced the first phase of a plan to modernize professional licensing following pressure from House Republicans. The outdated system has led to significant delays for licensed professionals seeking application approvals. "Many Illinois licensed professionals have talked to their lawmakers...about the problems they are finding when they submit an application," with some waiting months for document completion.

In response, HB 2394 was passed during the 2023 veto session, mandating DFPR update its licensure computer system and adopt new software for electronic processing. This move aims to transition DFPR's licensure software into a cloud-based system that aligns with global standards for secure databases.

The rollout of DFPR's new Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment (CORE) system is underway but currently limited to clinical psychologists, music therapists, and nail technicians. Expansion to other professions is expected over two years as efforts continue to ensure a smooth transition.