(The Center Square) – A package of different laws aimed at creating more protections and independence for vulnerable residents of Illinois was signed into law Thursday.
The package of legislation includes laws with bipartisan support, including one that will allow courts to file temporary restraining orders on behalf of elderly adults who are suspected of being exploited, creation of new ways of addressing financial scams targeting the elderly, and another intended to increase oversight in nursing homes.
Other bills in the package are intended to strengthen oversight for people with developmental disabilities and mental illness in health care facilities.
CANDIDATE PETITIONS FOR CHICAGO MAYOR OPEN, JOHNSON WAITING
With an open field of at least a dozen candidates, and counting, the Chicago mayoral race officially kicked off early this week, when candidates could first begin circulating petitions to be listed on the ballot in February.
Incumbent Mayor Brandon Johnson told reporters Wednesday he’s still not focused on deciding if he’ll run again, despite other big-name Democrats like Comptroller Susana Mendoza already declaring their candidacy.
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, who is running for reelection in November, shared that he’ll be making a campaign announcement on Chicago’s south side early next week, which is expected to be his long-floated candidacy.
Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates told WTTW Tuesday that if Johnson doesn’t begin circulating petitions for reelection, she and allies of Johnson would.
ILLINOIS TRAILS NEIGHBORS IN BUSINESS FORMATION REPORT
The June 2026 New Business Formation Report from Registered Agents, Inc. says a record high of nearly 3.5 million new businesses were formed in the first six months of the year.
The report used state-level filings and U.S. Census data and found that Illinois had 11,008 new businesses formed in June, leaving the state with a year-over-year loss of 15%.
Every state bordering Illinois saw an increase. Oregon topped the list with a 53% increase over last year’s first half.
Jim Talamonti contributed to this story
