Illinois quick hits: Taxpayer cost of weight loss drugs; protestors ordered to disperse

[May 02, 2024]  The Center Square

Taxpayer cost of weight loss drugs

The Pritzker administration pushed to expand coverage of expensive weight loss drugs for state government workers, a move that could cost Illinois taxpayers millions of dollars. In making medications like Ozempic available to eligible enrollees in the state’s health insurance program, the governor is seeking an estimated $210 million to fund the full year of coverage, beginning July 1. According to WBEZ, researchers recently issued a warning that the drugs could be “budget-busters” and pose enormous risk to American taxpayers.   

Protestors ordered to disperse

Illinois State University administrators have ordered student protestors to remove tents and signs from campus. Demonstrators set up camp Tuesday to protest the war in Gaza. Administrators have issued warnings that the students could be suspended for violating school policy just a week before final exams. Officials said its staff “diligently” reached out to protestors about the school’s policies.

Farm bureau scholarships

The charitable arm of the Illinois Farm Bureau, the IAA Foundation, is awarding over $151,000 in scholarships to 89 students pursuing degrees in agriculture-related fields. Students are selected based on their activities and leadership, their community involvement, professional career goals and their overall commitment to success. Annually, Illinois Farm Bureau and county Farm Bureaus combine to award more than $1 million in scholarship support.