[Ed. note: The River Reporter is a member of the Empire State Local News Coalition.]

The following statement was released by the Empire State Local News Coalition concerning the Illinois State Legislature’s passage of historic legislation in support of local journalism. 

“The Empire State Local News Coalition applauds Illinois’ leaders and local news champions like Rebuild Local News, the Illinois Journalism Task Force and state Sen. Steve Stadelman for passing a tax credit to support the employment of local journalists. We look forward to seeing Gov. Pritzker sign these historic measures into law and more states follow New York’s lead by supporting their local news organizations.

“This latest victory in the national effort to save local news builds on the historic precedent set by New York last month with our groundbreaking $90 million local media tax credit. Lawmakers across the country are increasingly recognizing their role in the fight to protect local news organizations, which play an indispensable role in safeguarding our democracy and strengthening social ties. 

“As communities across the country rally for the revival of local journalism, New York and Illinois offer hope and momentum to ensure everyone has access to the quality, independent local news they deserve.”

The Empire State Local News Coalition is a statewide alliance of hometown newspapers dedicated to ensuring the long-term sustainability of local journalism in New York. Since 2004, more than 3,000 newspapers have closed across the country, resulting in thousands of layoffs and countless communities losing essential platforms for sharing their stories. If these alarming trends continue, New Yorkers from Oswego to Stony Brook are at risk of losing their ability to have their voices heard and to shape public policy. To learn more, visit www.SaveNYLocalNews.com. 

Zachary Richner
Founding member, Empire State Local News Coalition