McHenry Times

Illinois residents have decided to retain the current state flag design following a public vote. The announcement on March 6 revealed that the existing flag received more votes than the top five alternative designs combined. This decision comes after Senate Bill 1818 established a contest, resulting in nearly 5,000 submissions and ten finalists.

Senator Craig Wilcox and other legislators criticized the initiative as a misuse of resources, highlighting more urgent issues such as financial instability and high taxes. The original flag, designed by Lucy Derwent in 1915, has seen minimal changes over the years.

In another development, the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) reported a $1.2 billion discrepancy in Governor Pritzker’s budget for Fiscal Year 2026. COGFA's analysis suggests that even with proposed new revenues of $490 million yet to be approved by the General Assembly, there would still be a $740 million shortfall. Critics argue this highlights the need for a realistic fiscal plan without additional tax burdens.

Meanwhile, thousands gathered at the State Capitol for Illinois Christian Home Educators' annual Cherry Pie Day on March 6. This event allows homeschooling families to advocate against House Bill 2827, which proposes increased regulations and penalties for non-compliance with paperwork requirements. A hearing is scheduled for March 12 at 8:00 AM in Springfield.