Pritzker and the Democrats Are Chasing Jobs and Businesses Out of Illinois
Illinois is losing again. Failed policies under Governor Pritzker and the Democratic Supermajority continue to drive jobs and opportunity straight out of this state.
Tyson Foods just announced it is shutting down its Joslin plant. More than 2,000 Illinois workers are losing their jobs. That is devastating news for families and communities across the Quad Cities region.
This is not a one-off. In 2022 Tyson already closed its Chicago corporate offices and moved about 500 jobs to Arkansas. Now they’re walking away from thousands more.
And it’s not just manufacturing. The Chicago Bears are openly shifting their focus to Hammond, Indiana. Team President Kevin Warren said their “sole focus” is a new stadium and development across the border. Talks with Illinois have been minimal. Contact with Indiana has been constant. One of the most recognizable franchises in sports is looking to leave because Springfield made staying here look like a bad bet.
These are not isolated stories. They are the direct result of years of one-party Democratic control that has made Illinois one of the most expensive and anti-business states in America.
Families here already get crushed by some of the highest property taxes in the country while paying more for groceries, utilities, housing, and transportation. Employers face the same rising costs and the same hostile climate when they decide where to invest and hire.
We have the workers. We have the infrastructure. We have the location. We have every natural advantage. What we do not have is leadership willing to stop the bleeding.
Governor Pritzker and the Democratic Supermajority have had years to fix this. Instead they keep delivering more red tape and fewer reasons for anyone to stay. Families are struggling. Businesses are leaving. And more of both are heading for the exits every month.
IDNR Opens Applications for Free Upland Game and Controlled Pheasant Hunts
Hunters can now apply for two popular Illinois Department of Natural Resources programs that offer access to upland game this season.
The free upland game hunting permit lottery gives successful applicants no-cost opportunities to pursue wild bobwhite quail, ring-necked pheasants, and cottontail rabbits. Separately, the controlled pheasant hunting program is a paid option that provides hunts for pen-reared ring-necked pheasants released at participating state sites.
Applications for the free upland game permit lottery are being accepted from August 1 through August 31, 2026.
The Controlled Pheasant Hunting Program will hold three lottery drawings, followed by a first-come, first-served period that begins August 29 at 8 a.m. and runs until quotas are filled or until 9 a.m. the day before the scheduled hunt. The lottery schedule is as follows:
- First lottery: Applications accepted August 10 at 1 p.m. (Illinois residents only).
- Second lottery: Applications accepted August 10 at 3 p.m. through August 17 at 1 p.m. (Illinois residents who didn’t apply or were unsuccessful in Lottery 1, plus nonresidents).
- Third lottery: Applications accepted August 17 at 3 p.m. through August 24 at 1 p.m. (residents and nonresidents seeking a second permit).
All applications must be submitted online through the IDNR Upland Game Hunting website.
New Law Expands Military License Plate Eligibility for Illinois Veterans
Illinois veterans have earned the right to proudly display the honors they received through their service to our country. A new law will now give them more opportunities to do so.
House Bill 4385 allows eligible veterans and military honorees to receive a second set of military specialty license plates. Previously, qualifying veterans were limited to one set, even if they owned multiple vehicles.
Illinois offers specialty plates recognizing numerous military honors and decorations, including Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross Medal, Silver Star Medal, Legion of Merit Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, United States Submarine Veterans, Global War, and the Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
These plates are a small but meaningful way to recognize the service and sacrifice of our veterans. I’m glad we were able to make this simple change and give our veterans another opportunity to be recognized for their service to our country.
State fair season is officially underway in Illinois!
The Illinois State Fair kicked off August 13 in Springfield and runs through August 23. From showcasing our state’s strong agricultural heritage to live music, rides, games, and plenty of great food, the fair has something for everyone to enjoy.
Later this month, the DuQuoin State Fair will continue the tradition in Southern Illinois from August 28 through September 7. The DuQuoin fair has been bringing Illinoisans together for more than a century and remains a great celebration of agriculture and our communities.
If you’re looking for something to do with family or friends before summer comes to an end, I encourage you to make a trip to one of our state fairs and enjoy everything they have to offer.
For more information about the Illinois State Fair and the DuQuoin State Fair, click here.
