SE Illinois News

Representative Dave Severin is calling for weeks focused on legislative action for his state.

“This week marks three weeks of (the) legislative session remaining until the scheduled adjournment of the House and Senate on April 8th,” Severin said on Facebook. “The next three weeks will be jam-packed full of legislative action. I appreciate everyone that has taken the time to reach out to my office to express opinions on bills that are moving through the process.”

Many Illinois politicians share Rep. Severin’s feelings. Rep. Patrick Windhorst co-sponsored House Bill 5481 that would “prevent the sales tax on a gallon of gas from ever going above that amount regardless of an increase in gas prices.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics report reveals that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has jumped 7.9% over what it was in February 2021. Gasoline, shelter and food accounted for the biggest bumps in the seasonally adjusted report. The cost of eating at home has risen 8.6% since last year and at a restaurant, there's been a 7% increase.

Owning a home, renting a home and paying for a hotel is up 4.7% over the last year. And used cars prices are up 41.2% compared to new cars at 12.4%.

Severin visited the state’s capital. In highlighting his pages, Severin said, “Thank you to Jacob Janello for coming to town. I’ve known Jacob’s dad for many years, as his family is from Christopher. We had a fantastic time touring the capitol. The girls also had the special privilege of meeting the consul general of Ireland, who addressed the Illinois House on St. Patrick’s Day.”

In other state news, changes were made regarding driver’s licenses.

ABC7 reported Secretary of State Jesse White announced another extension to the deadline for Illinois residents to renew their driver's licenses on March 11. Driver’s licenses and ID cards will be valid until July 31, 2022. The extension does not apply to commercial driver's licenses or CDL learner's permits.