Illinois Quick Hits: Illinois, Chicago join suit against rollback of fuel economy standards
(The Center Square) – The state of Illinois and the city of Chicago joined a coalition of 26 states, counties, and cities in a lawsuit against the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s final rule that changed corporate average fuel economy standards for new passenger cars and light trucks.
The coalition alleged that the new rule is contrary to law and goes against NHTSA’s mandate from Congress to set fuel economy standards at their maximum feasible level.
CATHOLIC CONFERENCE URGES OPT-IN FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
Following the federal government’s launch on Thursday of proposed rules for tax credit scholarships, the Catholic Conference of Illinois called on Gov. J.B. Pritzker to immediately opt in.
The federal program allows funding for public and non-public school families. The CCI noted that 80% of Catholic families send their children to public schools, and the program could help fund existing shortfalls in public schools.
ILLINOIS RANKED FIFTH MOST EXPENSIVE STATE TO START A BUSINESS
Illinois ranks fifth on a list of the most expensive U.S. states to start a business. Bridge Point Business Brokers ranked 48 states based on nine business cost factors to reveal where entrepreneurs face the highest expenses.
With a 9.5% corporate tax rate, an 8.9% sales tax rate and commercial rent averaging $36.80 per square foot, Illinois ranked fifth overall.
Wisconsin was the 13th most expensive state to start a business, Iowa was #22, Missouri #30, and Indiana #36. Kentucky was #44, or the fifth least-expensive state.
STATE FIRE MARSHAL OFFERS MORE IN FIRE EQUIPMENT GRANTS
The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal says the application period is now open for the fiscal year 2027 Small Equipment Grant Program.
OSFM will award a total of $6 million to eligible fire departments, fire protection districts and not-for-profit ambulance services across Illinois to purchase small firefighting and emergency medical equipment.
The agency increased the maximum grant from $26,000 to $50,000 for fiscal year 2027.
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