Illinois quick hits: Economic indicator increases; millions for rail project

Economic indicator increases The University of Illinois Flash Index for December improved to 102.4 from its reading the previous month of 102. Any number over 100 indicates economic growth.Both sales and individual income tax receipts were up from the same month last year while corporate receipts were slightly down. Nominal sales tax receipts recorded the highest monthly total in history, narrowly missing the $1 billion level.Millions for rail projectThe Illinois Department of Transportation will receive $43 million in federal funding for the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency’s 65th & Harlem Avenue rail project.The project will create an overpass for travel over Belt Railway of Chicago’s tracks, as well as allowing faster travel for freight trains heading into and out of the rail clearing yard. New flag voting openVoting is now open to choose a new Illinois state flag. The redesign contest runs through Feb. 14, and Illinoisans can pick from one of the Illinois Flag Commission’s Top 10 new designs, or one of three former flag designs. The Illinois Flag Commission will count the votes and report its findings and recommendations to the Illinois General Assembly by April 1. Members of the General Assembly will then vote on whether to adopt a new flag, return to a previous version of the flag or retain the current flag.