"I applaud the federal government's move to delay the deadline to file taxes until July 15th, which provides some much-needed flexibility to people dealing with an unprecedented situation. Illinois needs to follow suit...

Governor Pritzker has issued a stay-at-home order starting at 5 PM Saturday, March 21, until Tuesday, April 7. We want to make sure you understand what this means for you and dispel some rumors you may have heard...

In another effort to provide timely and accurate information to the public, Coronavirus.illinois.gov has been launched to centralize the breaking updates from state government, prevention and preparation tips, frequently asked questions and resources from public health experts...

In light of ongoing health concerns surrounding the coronavirus/COVID-19 health crisis, a number of Illinois’ utility companies have announced measures being taken to help alleviate unnecessary stress and burdens for Illinois residents...

For individuals, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will postpone the April 15 federal tax-payment deadline for another 90 days. The IRS will also waive interest and penalties. This delay is available to people who owe $1 million or less...

On March 13, Governor Pritzker ordered that all K-12 schools (both public and private) close from March 17 through at least March 30. The order also includes early childhood programs located in public and private schools. Internships, experiential learning opportunities, and behind-the-wheel driver’s education are included as well...

According to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, the federal emergency declaration has added flexibility to the Medicaid system that will help cover costs involved with testing for and treating patients for COVID-19...

The United States Census Bureau is currently monitoring the COVID-19 situation and will follow guidance set out by federal, state, and local health authorities to prevent the spread of the disease. The bureau is pushing for more electronic and mail responses without the need for enumerators to follow up in person...

All restaurants and bars are closed through March 30, but you can still support these small businesses by utilizing drive-thru, delivery and curbside pickup where offered. Also, consider buying gift cards online to use later. This small step can help these local businesses get through this difficult time...

Update on unemployment changes due to Covid-19/Coronavirus

On March 9, Illinois’ Governor issued a disaster proclamation in response to growing concerns surrounding the rapidly changing COVID-19 health issue...

With the census invitations beginning to hit mailboxes, you may be wondering what this snapshot of our nation is used for and how it can help our communities. In addition to determining your representation in Congress, census data is also used to direct federal resources to communities throughout America...

If you're a member of the military stationed in Illinois, you could soon get a head-start on your civilian career thanks to legislation that recently advanced out of committee in the Illinois Senate...

Senate Republicans are urging eligible taxpayers to utilize the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and AARP Tax-Aide programs when filing their 2019 income taxes...

With spring just round the corner, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is highlighting the importance of being properly prepared for severe weather during Severe Weather Preparedness Month...

The Senate has approved legislation that would help teachers who have made the jump from teaching in a private school to teaching in a public school buy back their pension time...

With less than a week to go until homes across Illinois begin receiving invitations to fill out the 2020 census, Senator Barickman is reminding constituents what the census is, and why it is essential. Residents will receive an invitation to respond online to the 2020 census between March 12 and 20...

The Illinois Department of Public Health briefed lawmakers on COVID-19 on March 5, providing an update about what the department is doing to monitor the situation in Illinois...

State Senators Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) and Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) are sponsoring new legislation to help volunteer firefighters and EMT’s with their expenses. “Volunteer firefighters and EMT’s put their lives on the line for us with little or no pay of any kind, even though they have to pay equipment and training costs...

Dedication to improving conservation efforts is the mission of legislation proposed by Pontiac Township High School students and filed by State Senator Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington)...

Click here to help us protect funding for our schools...

“I’m pleased to see the governor’s proposed budget include important priorities such as meeting the minimum requirements for school funding. However, an overall $1.6 billion increase in spending is not realistic, and holding schools and others hostage while voters consider his tax hike is irresponsible...

Numerous military honors are currently recognized on Illinois license plates, but not the Air Force Combat Action Medal. That issue would be resolved under legislation filed by State Senator Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington)...

In addition to filling in college basketball brackets, Illinoisans can pick winners for another March tournament that will determine the “coolest thing made in Illinois.”

Tax season has begun as federal and state W-2 forms arrive in the mail, but according to the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR), thousands of eligible taxpayers fail to claim the both the Illinois Earned Income Credit (EIC) and the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)...