•March 8, 2023•
By Peter Hancock
Capitol News Illinois

S&P Global Ratings announced Thursday that it had raised Illinois’ long-term credit rating to A-, up from BBB+, marking the seventh upgrade the state has received from a major rating agency in less than two years.
The rating applies to roughly $27.7 billion in outstanding general obligation, or GO, bonds.
“The upgrade on the GO debt reflects our view that Illinois’ commitment and execution to strengthen its budgetary flexibility and stability, supported by accelerating repayment of its liabilities, rebuilding its budget stabilization fund to decade highs; and a slowing of statutory pension funding growth, will likely continue during the outlook period,” S&P Global Ratings credit analyst Geoff Buswick said in a news release.
Bonds are a tool that governments and businesses use to borrow money, typically for long-term capital projects such as building construction or other kinds of infrastructure. GO bonds are backed by the government’s general taxing authority but other bonds may be backed by more specific revenue sources, such as sales or motor fuel taxes. Higher bond ratings generally mean the borrower – in this case the state – pays lower interest rates. Read More

•March 8, 2023•
Lake Land College enrollment in workforce ready and non-degree programs are up by almost 12% at Lake Land College, following a positive Spring Enrollment Report.
The report also indicates Lake Land College remains the top choice for in-district, college-bound seniors.
Enrollment in short-term certificate programs increased by 26% and enrollment in technical/trade degrees increased by 8.64%. Both of these options prepare students to enter the workforce following completion of the program.
Students enrolled in non-degree courses saw a 3% increase. Read More

As Pritzker makes $250M pitch for child care investment, data show the obstacles to access across Illinois

•March 8, 2023•

By Andrew Adams
Capitol News Illinois
aadams @ capitolnewsillinois.com

In some Illinois communities, finding child care isn’t just a routine task for families to work through, but a seemingly impossible dream.
In some of those places, costs are too high for middle class families to afford. In others, day cares have had to cut staff, limiting the number of available placements. Some areas, especially rural ones, have just one or two licensed day care centers for a population of hundreds of children.
Gov. JB Pritzker has made child care and early childhood education a priority in this year’s proposed budget. Since introducing his budget on Feb. 15, he has visited child care centers in eight cities to promote his “Smart Start” plan, a program of policies aimed at bolstering the child care workforce and making it more affordable for families.
“It is important to us to make sure that every 3- and 4-year-old in Illinois can go to preschool and have child care available to them,” Pritzker said during the Springfield stop on his multi-city tour. Read More