Illinois quick hits: More PPP fraud found by state employees; high fire danger in Illinois
More PPP fraud found by state employees
Investigators continue to find cases of Paycheck Protection Program fraud in Illinois by state employees.
The Executive Ethics Commission published 12 additional Office of Executive Inspector General reports relating to program fraud by state employees, adding to the 17 that had been previously published.
The cases involve employees at five different agencies under the inspector’s jurisdiction, including the Department of Human Services, Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Department of Natural Resources, and Pace.
Governors sends letter over utility bills
Gov. J.B. Pritzker joined the governors of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware in issuing a letter to PJM Interconnection, the grid operator for Northern Illinois and the aforementioned states.
The governors have called on the company to take urgent action to address the increasing cost of electricity bills after the record-high prices coming out of the region’s capacity auction. Pritzker said PJM’s record-high price increases showcase a complete disregard of vulnerable communities across state lines.
High fire danger in Illinois
Fire danger remains very high across much of Illinois.
Weather conditions and dry vegetation are prime for fires to ignite and spread quickly.
The Illinois State Fire Marshal informed the public of the high fire danger and red flag warning. Gusty winds will continue Wednesday.