Illinois advocates urge Congress to pass the Child Care for Working Families Act to lower child care costs.
by Mark Richardson
Public News Service
CHICAGO - Advocates for working families are asking Congress to pass a bill to lower the cost of child care in Illinois and across the U.S.
The Child Care for Working Families Act is stalled in the Republican-controlled Congress. The measure would increase federal funding so child care would cost no more than 7% of a family's annual income. The median family income in Illinois is about $80,000 a year.
Amber Knight, board president of the Illinois Association for the Education of Young Children, said currently, most families are priced out of the child care market.
"This act is going to help working families," Knight asserted. "It's going to provide security and being able to have children attend early-childhood education settings without having the burden be solely placed on families."
Early childhood education is so beneficial to the children and families
The bill would fund grants to open new child care centers and guarantee higher wages for providers, in order to stabilize and grow the workforce. The two biggest programs in the bill, Child Care and Development Fund and Head Start, would receive about $12 billion each. Most House and Senate Democrats are backing the bill, while Republicans oppose it because of its cost.
Knight noted many Illinois families, especially those in rural areas, live in so-called "child care deserts," where the supply is insufficient to meet the need. She stressed it forces working families to make hard social and financial decisions.
"People are able to go to work if their child is being taken care of and also be able to take care of their family by not putting their whole paycheck to child care," Knight explained.
She pointed out studies show children who get an early start on education perform better during their entire time is school and are more successful later in life.
"Early childhood education is so beneficial to the children and families and being able to give them the access in any way we can," Knight added. "Helping the families or helping the centers will really benefit our future."
Tags: Illinois child care costs, Child Care for Working Families Act 2025, early childhood education funding, child care deserts in Illinois, Head Start and Child Care Development Fund expansion
Chlebek proposes Property Tax Freedom Plan to replace local property taxes while protecting schools and services.
PARK RIDGE - Casey Chlebek, a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, called on the Illinois General Assembly Tuesday to put a statewide advisory referendum on the 2026 ballot, arguing Illinois voters deserve a direct say in what he described as a property tax crisis driving families from their homes.
Casey Chlebek
Chlebek’s proposal would allow voters to weigh in on whether Illinois should abolish property taxes on primary residences and replace them with alternative funding for schools, police, fire departments and other local services.
Only the legislature and the governor can place an advisory referendum on the statewide ballot. Although not binding, Chlebek said such a move would send “an unmistakable message” to lawmakers.
“Homeownership should mean freedom, not perpetual rent to the government,” Chlebek said. “But in Illinois, families are being robbed of their homes and their life savings over tax debts smaller than the cost of a used car. That is legalized theft, plain and simple. The referendum is step one, a mandate from the people, and after that, Springfield will have no excuse. They must act.”
High taxes, lost homes
Illinois homeowners pay the highest effective property tax rate in the nation, according to 2023 figures. Since 2019, more than 1,000 Cook County residents - including 125 seniors - have lost homes valued at $108 million to cover just $2.3 million in unpaid tax debts.
In May 2022 alone, 37,000 Cook County properties were listed for a delinquent tax sale, more than half for debts under $1,000. In Illinois, 70% of tax foreclosure cases involved debts smaller than the value of a 10-year-old car.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled the practice of seizing and reselling homes for tax debts without returning excess equity to owners unconstitutional in 2023. While more than a dozen states have reformed their laws, Illinois has not.
You can pay off your mortgage and still lose your home and your equity if you fall behind on taxes
“This is not just bad policy, it is legalized theft,” Chlebek said. “Illinoisans are paying the nation’s highest property taxes, and when they fall behind, their homes are being taken for pennies on the dollar. That is unconscionable.”
Federal plan, local control
Chlebek tied his proposal to his “Property Tax Freedom Plan,” which he said would ensure local services remain fully funded while families get relief. He emphasized that schools, police, fire protection and roads would be supported through replacement revenue, not cuts.
“You can pay off your mortgage and still lose your home and your equity if you fall behind on taxes,” he said. “That is not ownership, that is bondage. I am the only candidate with a clear plan to end this injustice.”
Chlebek, a business leader and Polish-American community advocate, is seeking the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in 2026. His property tax plan is the first pillar of what he calls his MAGNA Agenda, short for “Make America the Greatest Nation Again,” a seven-part domestic policy platform.
More stories ~
CHAMPAIGN - Lino Jo, of Champaign, lines up a volley while playing the open division championship match at the Champaign Park District's annual Labor Day Tournament on Monday. Jo and partner, Sam Ryu, lost in two sets 6-4, 6-4, to Sohum Gurrapu and Hunter Madigan to finish in the runner-up spot.
Senior Kyree Hillsman carries the ball in the Tigers' home game against St. Teresa at Urbana's McKinley Field on Friday. This week, Urbana takes on the Danville Vikings on the road for their first Big Twelve matchup of the season. Use the form below to give us your pigskin picks for Week 2 in the Big Twelve.
URBANA - Urbana's CJ Blanden folds St. Teresa's Alex Garwood in half while making a tackle for a loss in Friday's home game. Blanden, a senior, recorded four tackles, two for a loss, and a 3-yard sack. Next up, Urbana travels to Danville for their first Big Twelve contest of the season.
URBANA - Sorrell Darough, Jr., carries the ball during first-quarter action in Urbana's home game against St. Teresa. The senior carried the ball 13 times, gaining 99 rushing yards in the Tigers' 29-7 loss to the Bulldogs. Also, playing kick-return, Darough bounced for 73 yards, giving him 173 all-purpose yards in the season opener. Next up, Urbana travels to Danville for their first Big Twelve contest of the season.
No family or child should ever have to worry that going to school might end in their last day of life.
by Glenn Mollette, Guest CommentatorSatan will do anything.
He knows no boundaries. He will do anything to kill or wound you or the most innocent, vulnerable people.
Little children sat in their school mass last week in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The students were at Annunciation Catholic Church which is also home to an elementary school. A shooter fired through stained glass windows into the church where students were attending mass, killing two and injuring 17 other people. They were in a place of reverence and worship. Yet, while they were inside a sanctuary of worship, in the middle of mass, an evil person invaded their sacred space and did the devil’s work of killing and wounding. What should have been moments of devotion turned into death and despair.
Glenn Mollette
I will not mention the shooter’s name because doing so only fulfills his/her goal to die with some kind of sick, horrific fame.
Let us please continue to pray for the hurting families in Minnesota who will never escape the pain of losing their little children who were simply in school and in a time of Christian worship.
No family or child should ever have to worry that going to school might end in their last day of life. Nor should anyone have to worry that going to church might be the most dangerous place they could ever be. Yet, we know that school and church shootings have become a sick routine of American life.
This has to be stopped. Please media people, please stop listing the names of those who commits such hellish acts.
Please, all school officials and church leaders, please know this only has to happen once to your local school or church. Once it does, you and your community will never get over it. Please utilize every means of security. Take nothing for granted. Prevention is the key. Uniformed security is vital. Terrorist shooters are cowards. They prey on the unprotected and the unsuspecting. They prey on little children, an unarmed class of kids or a church filled with unarmed people. They do not want to deal with uniformed, armed guards. They look for the most vulnerable.
We also must have stricter gun control
While many of us believe in prayer, it’s time to do more. Faith without works is dead. Social Media giants like Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok, must start notifying police when posts are made that come across as being threatening to society. People with such problems need to be placed in mental hospitals for treatment and observation. While we cherish free speech, we are past the day of tolerating speech that is filled with threats. Over a year ago someone said “President Trump should be placed in the bull’s eye”. That was soon followed up by someone almost successfully taking his life.
Parents must be in control of their houses. Know where every gun is and be sure they are locked up in safe places. Even if you have adult children living in your home you must be the ruler of the house. If they are living with you then you rule. Be a strict supervisor of all weapons.
We also must have stricter gun control such as mental health evaluations for all gun purchasers under 25 and longer waiting periods for buying semi-automatic weapons. Home visits should be made 30 days after the purchase of a semi-automatic weapon. This home visit would be to personally counsel the owner of the weapon about the safety and care of the weapon and also to do a mental health assessment. This all sounds invasive but we can’t keep saying just pray. It’s time to do something.
About the author ~
Glen Mollett is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.
The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.
The Illini upset Kentucky on the road, snapping the Wildcats’ 19-match home win streak with a 2-1 victory.
LEXINGTON, Ky. - Illinois soccer extended its unbeaten start with a 2-1 win over Kentucky on Sunday, handing the Wildcats their first loss of the season and snapping a 19-match home winning streak.
Before 881 fans at the Bell Soccer Complex, the Illini (5-0-0) scored twice in the first half and held firm defensively to secure the program’s best start since 2004.
Kentucky (5-1-0) struck first just two minutes into the contest when a deflected shot off an Illinois defender slipped past keeper Izzy Lee. It marked the first goal the Illini had allowed this season.
Illinois responded quickly. In the 17th minute, Ashley Stellon forced a turnover deep in Kentucky’s end and found Cayla Jackson wide open in the box. Jackson delivered, drilling a shot inside the right post to even the score.
The eventual game-winner came in the 43rd minute when Ellen Persson rose for a header off a Stellon corner kick. The goal, Persson’s first of the season and second of her career, gave Illinois a 2-1 lead it would not relinquish. Stellon finished with two assists, her third and fourth career helpers.
Lee anchored the back line with seven saves against Kentucky’s 19 total shots, including a diving stop in the 80th minute on a strike from distance that nearly tied the match.
Despite being outshot 19-7 and conceding an 8-4 edge in shots on goal, Illinois made the most of its chances to remain perfect under first-year coach Katie Hultin. She joins Tricia Taliaferro (1999) as the only Illinois coaches to begin their tenures with five straight wins.
The victory also marked Kentucky’s first home loss since Oct. 15, 2023, when the Wildcats fell 2-0 to Mississippi State. The last time Kentucky lost at home to a non-conference opponent was Sept. 22, 2019, against Central Michigan.
Illinois returns to action Thursday at Missouri, with kickoff set for 5 p.m. CT. The Illini are back at Demirjian Park on Sunday, Sept. 7, for Senior Day against Valparaiso at 1 p.m.
Illinois women’s soccer 2025 season, Illinois vs Kentucky soccer recap, Illinois soccer best start since 2004, NCAA women’s soccer upsets 2025, Katie Hultin Illinois soccer coach debut
Dear Editor,
The new administration has now cut billions of dollars from food stamps (SNAP) in the budget. This is cruel. This will take food away from the hungry, including children and senior citizens. We have a government out to starve its own people, take medical care away from the sick and perpetrate other evils. They must be stopped.
According to our state legislators, Illinois cannot possibly make up for the billions taken away. Non-profit food pantries will be stretched to their limits.
In 2023, 13.8 million children lived in households that experienced food insecurity, up 3.2 percent from 2022, according to the Food Research and Action Center (frac.org). Taking billions out of food assistance will worsen these already intolerable numbers.
Where will these people go? Possibly many will go begging on the streets or turn to worse to support their families. This in a country that used to claim to be generous and compassionate.
Why are they doing this? Because they believe that most (maybe all) the recipients are scamming the system. Even if true, their sledge hammer approach affects everyone indiscriminately. Instead investigate what the real situation is. Improve the vetting process. Don't hurt the needy.
They should visit soup kitchens such as the one where I volunteered and note the number of people for whom the meal we served was the only meal they had that day.
We must stop this outrage to humanity. If you have any compassion, please, please contact your congressman as soon as possible and demand that he/she work to roll back these cruel, un-American cuts.
Anthony Buttitta Des Plaines
Anthony Buttitta is a 21-year resident from Des Plaines. He enjoys the sense of community that comes from being close to people and supporting local, independent businesses. Success comes from maintaining a positive, confident attitude and trusting in God.
“Increasing temperatures and changes in precipitation and snowmelt patterns are increasing the severity and size of wildfires in the West.”
byTerry Hansen Guest Commentary
Recently, a group of Republican members of Congress sent a letter to the Canadian government, alleging that its poor forest management practices are responsible for out-of-control wildfires and for this summer's air quality problems in the Midwest and Northeast.
Notably, the letter fails to mention climate change. However, although fire-management practices can play a role in these megafires, climate change also has a profound impact. In the words of Natural Resources Canada:
"Warmer-than-average temperatures, decreased levels of snowpack, low soil moisture and elevated drought conditions are indicators that climate change is impacting the frequency, size and range of wildland fires in Canada. For example, the number of over-wintering fires is increasing."
During the three preceding decades, human-caused climate change doubled the area affected by forest fires in the western United States.
It’s also important to take note of a 2015 issue of the U.S. Forest Service’s journal, Fire Management Today, titled “Climate Change: The Future Is Here.” This publication states, “Increasing temperatures and changes in precipitation and snowmelt patterns are increasing the severity and size of wildfires in the West.” Concern is also expressed about the “occurrence of fire that is outside the range of our existing experience” and the danger this poses to firefighters and communities.
Moreover, a 2016 study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences concluded that during the three preceding decades, human-caused climate change doubled the area affected by forest fires in the western United States.
The reason is that hotter temperatures evaporate soil moisture and dry vegetation, making it more likely to burn. According to physicist Phillip B. Duffy, "What would have been a fire easily extinguished now just grows very quickly and becomes out of control.”
We are experiencing these impacts before Earth's warming has reached the 1.5°C (2.7°F) threshold climate scientists have long warned about.
In addition, their letter emphasizes, "Our constituents have been limited in their ability to go outside and safely breathe due to the dangerous air quality the wildfire smoke has created."
Significantly, 184 medical and public health groups, including the American Medical Association, the American Heart Association and the American Lung Association, have released a statement declaring: "Climate change is one of the greatest threats to health America has ever faced — it is a true public health emergency."
These organizations cite extreme heat, floods and year-round wildfires, as well as air pollution caused by fossil fuel burning and the spread of mosquito and tick-borne diseases.
Even more troubling, we are experiencing these impacts before Earth's warming has reached the 1.5°C (2.7°F) threshold climate scientists have long warned about. Consider that a recent report by the United Nations concludes that, without a greater commitment to reduce emissions, the Earth will warm by about 3.1° C above pre-industrial levels by 2100. What's more, the increase in global heating is expected to continue beyond the end of the century.
In order to deal with climate-driven threats, we must first recognize them. Urgently reducing greenhouse gas emissions and funding adaptation should be top priorities for every politician who cares about public health and the future we all share.
Terry Hansen is a retired educator who writes frequently about climate change. He lives in Milwaukee.
Spartans and Hawks strong at Acklin Meet as Charleston defends title. Paris’ Harrison Hays repeats as top finisher.
PARIS - East-central Illinois cross country teams converged on Paris High School Saturday for the 9th annual Acklin Cross Country Meet, with 19 schools and 146 runners competing in the varsity boys’ race. St. Joseph-Ogden placed fourth overall, while Heritage finished fifth in a field loaded with competitive talent.
Charleston repeated as team champion, winning its second consecutive Acklin title with 72 points. The Trojans, who also claimed the 2024 crown with 67 points, were followed by Cumberland (84) and host Paris (94). The Spartans tallied 114 points, and the Hawks rounded out the top five with 165. Last year, SJO was runner-up with 87 points, and Cumberland finished third at 123.
Leading the way for Heritage was junior Clark Roland, who finished sixth overall in 16 minutes, 57.7 seconds. Freshman Christian Paul was next for the Hawks at 29th in 18:04.6, followed by sophomore Colby Schrock (37th, 18:20.8), freshman Greyson Guevara (42nd, 18:37.9) and senior Joshua Stierwalt (54th, 18:57.0). That top-five effort was enough to edge several larger schools and secure a top-five team finish.
The Spartans put five runners inside the top 30, separated by just 17 seconds. Junior Colin Burnett led SJO with a 20th-place finish in 17:44.5, with freshman Adam Bello (21st, 17:44.7), senior Lance Retz (22nd, 17:44.8), sophomore Eli Franklin (23rd, 17:46.6) and junior Nate Farney (28th, 18:01.0) close behind. Junior Aiden Hundley also contributed with a 30th-place finish at 18:11.1.
Paris junior Harrison Hays successfully defended his Acklin title, taking first in 15:53.57 after winning last year’s race in 16:49.48. He was followed by Dieterich senior Trevor Crutcher (16:04.79), Effingham senior Alex Gordon (16:22.41), Robinson junior Wyatt Herrington (16:40.25) and Cumberland freshman Colby Roedl(16:46.67). Hays, Crutcher, Gordon, Herrington and Roedl all finished among the top 10 a year ago, underscoring their consistency at the Acklin course. Roland was the highest Heritage finisher in the top 10 this year.
Top 10 Individual Finishers
Harrison Hays, Jr., Paris – 15:53.57
Trevor Crutcher, Sr., Dieterich – 16:04.79
Alex Gordon, Sr., Effingham – 16:22.41
Wyatt Herrington, Jr., Robinson – 16:40.25
Colby Roedl, Fr., Cumberland – 16:46.67
Clark Roland, Jr., Heritage – 16:57.77
Nathan Fonner, Jr., Paris – 17:00.40
Gavin Whitaker, So., Cumberland – 17:01.99
Jonathan Brown, Sr., Charleston – 17:06.44
Stanley Himes, Sr., Charleston – 17:08.25
Team Standings – Top Five
Charleston – 72
Cumberland – 84
Paris – 94
St. Joseph-Ogden – 114
Heritage – 165
St. Joseph-Ogden Spartans cross country, Heritage Hawks running team, Acklin Cross Country Meet results, Charleston Trojans repeat title, Illinois high school cross country standings
by Mark Richardson
