Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
November 5 – 2024 General Election
Fall 2024 – Veto Session
In the News
Budget balancing act? Pritzker signs $53.1 billion spending plan, dismisses Democratic discord
– Chicago Sun-Times, June 5, 2024
Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday downplayed Democratic divisions as he signed a sweeping $53.1 billion budget that relies on $1.1 billion in revenue and includes a child tax credit. The signing of the spending plan in the West Loop’s State of Illinois building featured no fanfare — unlike Pritzker’s last two budgets, in which he stood flanked by cheering rank-and-file Democratic lawmakers.
Judge blocks law that would have banned newly slated candidates from ballot – Capitol News Illinois, June 5, 2024
A Sangamon County judge on Wednesday blocked the Illinois State Board of Elections from enforcing a new law that would have prevented certain General Assembly candidates who didn’t run in the March primary from getting on the November ballot.
Stalled bills: ‘Dignity in Pay Act,’ Prisoner Review Board changes fail to move – Capitol News Illinois, June 6, 2024
While more than 460 measures passed, several highly publicized bills stalled. A bill eliminating the subminimum wage for workers with disabilities failed to pass the General Assembly ahead of its May adjournment, although sponsors say they hope to pass it when lawmakers return in the fall.
Arlington Heights trustee tapped for 53rd District House seat – WTTW, June 5, 2024
A panel of Northwest suburban Democratic leaders picked Arlington Heights village Trustee Nicolle Grasse as the new state representative for the 53rd District. Grasse will fill the vacancy created when Mark Walker left the post last month to fill the seat in the 27th District Senate left vacant when Ann Gillespie accepted Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s appointment as head of the Illinois Department of Insurance.
Illinois legislators approve law against landfill’s airborne waste – Fox 2 Now, June 5, 2024
Flying trash has been a problem for decades, with garbage being dumped in Illinois landfills near St. Louis, much of it being hauled in from Missouri. Lawmakers in Illinois are now cracking down.
This summer, state agencies recommend residents monitor air quality to protect their health – WAND, June 5, 2024
After wildfires brought historic air pollution to the Midwest last summer, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are encouraging residents to regularly monitor air quality to protect their own health and minimize their contributions to air pollution.
Former Illinois Republican campaign aide makes first court appearance in obscenity case – Shaw Local, June 5, 2024
A campaign treasurer for a former Republican state lawmaker pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges of harassment, obscenity and transmission of obscene messages. On Wednesday, Timothy Pawula, 32, of Chicago, made his first court appearance with his defense attorney, Doug DeBoer, before Judge Ken Zelazo at the Will County Courthouse in Joliet.
Rise in stolen trucking shipments affects Illinois’ supply chain – The Center Square, June 5, 2024
Criminal activities impacting the logistics and transportation industry reached new highs in the first quarter of 2024, and Illinois is in the eye of the hurricane. The fleet security company CargoNet said Illinois, California and Texas account for over 60% of the heists during the first quarter of this year.
Illinois Promised To Help With Funeral Costs For Children Lost To Gun Violence. Only 2 Families Have Benefitted – Block Club Chicago, June 5, 2024
The Mychal Moultry Jr. Funeral and Burial Assistance Program is supposed to give Illinois families with severe financial needs up to $10,000 to help bury children under 17 who were killed by gun violence. But almost a year after the measure went into effect, only eight people across the state have applied. Two of them have received funds.
From Gun Control to Public Transit Rescue, A Look at What Didn’t Pass the Illinois General Assembly This Spring – WTTW, June 4, 2024
Illinois legislators passed 469 measures this year. The bulk of those items will likely become law, pending action from Gov. J.B. Pritzker. But in some cases, what lawmakers left on the table — whether due to ongoing negotiations, political sensitivities or unsatisfied concerns — is equally significant as what passed.
Opinion: The House almost went off the rails last week – Capitol Fax, June 4, 2024
House members were told to be in their seats by noon on Tuesday after the Senate had easily passed the entire budget package on Sunday. But the House session was delayed for endless hours as rumors swirled about a “mini revolt” against the budget deal struck by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Senate President Don Harmon and Welch.
Illinois lawmakers have a chance to rest after last week’s adjournment – WJBC, June 4, 2024
State lawmakers have scattered to their home districts after adjournment this past week – the Sunday of a holiday weekend for the Senate and the pre-dawn hours of Wednesday for the House.
Walsh Explains Late Night Tax Vote Switch – The Illinoize, June 4, 2024
It was 4:30 in the morning last Wednesday in Springfield. House Democrats had already passed a budget bill but had failed to pass a package of tax increases on business to balance the budget. That’s when moderate Democrat Rep. Larry Walsh, Jr. (D-Elwood), who had voted against the budget, against the Budget Implementation bill (BIMP), and had voted against the tax increase the first time (and second time, mistakenly, after Republicans pulled a fast one) switched his vote.
Democratic Township Leaders Expected To Fill 53rd State House Seat Wednesday – Journal & Topics, June 4, 2024
When Mark Walker was appointed to fill Anne Gillespie’s seat as 27th District state senator after Gov. JB Pritzker appointed Gillespie as head of the state insurance department, Walker’s state house seat became vacant. A meeting of local Democratic committee persons is expected to fill that vacancy on Wednesday, June 5.
Illinoisans call on Speaker Welch to support invalidating labor rights amendment – The Center Square, June 4, 2024
Critics of Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch’s support of the 2022 labor rights constitutional amendment are now saying it’s ironic that he’s not upholding what the amendment says.
Illinois consumers may have to ‘swipe twice’ when paying with credit card – The Center Square, June 4, 2024
If Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs the budget and revenue package legislators approved, consumers paying by card may have to swipe to pay for their goods and swipe again to pay the sales tax for those goods.
Farm Family Preservation Act Not Included in Illinois’ Passed Budget – WRAM, June 4, 2024
Last week, Illinois legislature passed a $53.1 billion state budget. One priority for the Illinois Farm Bureau that was not included in the budget was the Farm Family Preservation Act. Warren-Henderson Farm Bureau Manager Ashlyn Quinn explains:
Here are 4 key pieces of legislation that stalled during spring session in Illinois – The State Journal-Register, June 4, 2024
Lawmakers shuffled out of the Illinois House chambers just before 5 a.m. Wednesday, bringing a belated end to the spring session days after blowing past a self-imposed adjournment deadline. Despite having extra time in Springfield, focusing on passing a $53.1 billion budget, the clock ran out on several measures advancing in the Senate needing House approval before Gov. JB Pritzker could sign them into law.
Ruling on Illinois candidate slating prohibition could come this week – The Center Square, June 3, 2024
Monday was the deadline for candidates that didn’t run in Illinois’ March primary to file for ballot access. It was also the first hearing in a case challenging the prohibition of such candidates from being slated.
New study finds Illinois among worst states for pay gaps between men and women – The State Journal-Register, June 3, 2024
A new study found Illinois to be among the worst in the country when it comes to pay gaps between genders. The study done by QRFY with JournoResearch, a digital PR agency which converts data into studies, looked at U.S. census data across every state and found the average of full-time earnings for both genders to determine the gap in pay.
As Locksmith License Requirements Set to Expire, Will Illinois Become the ‘Wild West’ Some Critics Fear? – WTTW, June 3, 2024
Jennifer Hoppes had just moved into her new Chicago apartment when she and her roommate accidentally locked themselves out. It was 11 p.m. and Hoppes’ roommate had to pack for an early flight. Desperate and panicked, Hoppes called the locksmith number she found on a sticker pasted to the intercom in her building.
More than 1 million chickens dead after massive southern Illinois fire – WAND, June 3, 2024
A massive blaze at a farm in southern Illinois has left more than one million birds dead and the facility a total loss, officials said. The fire broke out at approximately 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in Farina, a community located in Marion County, according to NBC affiliate KSDK.
Illinois House speaker’s staff sue over unionization conflict – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 31, 2024
Members of a would-be union representing staffers in House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch’s office filed suit against their boss on Friday, asking a Cook County judge to force recognition of the union.
Legislation now before Gov. J.B. Pritzker: Mobile driver’s licenses, medical debt relief and a new state mushroom – Chicago Tribune, June 2, 2024
The Illinois General Assembly’s spring legislative session ended in last-minute drama as Democrats barely eked out enough votes to pass a package of tax hikes that mostly affect gambling operations and corporations.
Illinois residents can claim a bigger state tax credit next year under the new budget – WBEZ, June 3, 2024
A tax credit used by millions of Illinois residents and that lawmakers quietly pared back last year is getting more generous in the new state budget approved by the legislature and awaiting Gov. JB Pritzker’s signature.
Bill to transfer Shabbona Lake State Park to Prairie Band’s reservation stalls after records issue – Crain’s Chicago Business, June 3, 2024
The General Assembly failed to approve legislation that would transfer a state park to the new reservation recently recognized by the federal government for the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation despite vigorous discussions during the final weeks of spring session.
Illinois Republicans slam Trump conviction. ‘Stalin would be proud’ – Chicago Sun-Times, May 31, 2024
In a state where Donald Trump has divided many Republicans, Illinois GOP leaders were united in their condemnation of the former president’s conviction for falsifying business records, blasting what they deemed a “sham trial,” a “fraud case” — and downright “chicken s—.”
With threats on the rise, Illinois lawmakers look to beef up Capitol security – The Center Square, May 31, 2024
With the Illinois State Capitol complex forced to lock down and evacuate at least three different times over the last few months, and a recent vehicle break-in when legislators were in session, some are calling for extra security.
Breaking down tense moments in the Illinois House as it passed a budget package – Chicago Sun-Times, May 31, 2024
Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch gave added meaning to the phrase “winning ugly” during Wednesday’s early morning hours. I’ve never seen anything like it, so let’s take a look. House members were told to be in their seats by noon on Tuesday after the Senate had easily passed the entire budget package on Sunday.
How Illinois’ new child tax credit will affect suburban parents – Daily Herald, May 31, 2024
Thousands of qualifying suburban parents could receive an income tax break next year due to the state’s first child tax credit included in the upcoming state budget. Parents of children 12 and younger who also qualify for the state’s earned income tax credit (EITC) are eligible for the tax break that could net as much as $300 for one child.
Speaker of the House visits Peoria to rally Republicans ahead of November elections – 1027 Superhits, June 2, 2024
The Speaker of the House says he’s visited more than 110 cities and communities since taking the job in October, and added Peoria to the list Saturday night. Republican Mike Johnson of Louisiana made a visit to the River City for the annual Peoria and Tazewell County Republicans Lincoln Day Dinner.
Alderman Pushes For 8 PM Downtown Curfew For Minors After Teens Attack Couple In Streeterville – Block Club Chicago, June 6, 2024
Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd) is pushing for a stricter Downtown curfew for minors after two teens attacked a couple in Streeterville last week. At 9:15 p.m. Friday, a woman, whose age was not given, and a 40-year-old man were in the 400 block of East Grand Avenue when a group came up to them, police said.
Not All Peaceful Protests Constitutionally Protected, Police Chief Says Ahead Of DNC – Block Club Chicago, June 5, 2024
Police Supt. Larry Snelling warned organizers that not all peaceful protests are protected by the First Amendment ahead of August’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago, drawing immediate criticism from local civil liberties groups.
Lawyers for Ex-Ald. Ed Burke Ask Federal Judge to Toss His Racketeering Conviction – WTTW, June 5, 2024
Lawyers for former Ald. Ed Burke urged U.S. District Court Judge Virginia Kendall to toss out his racketeering conviction, saying the jury in his landmark corruption trial got “carried away.” After the three-hour hearing, Kendall declined to issue a ruling immediately, instead promising a written order “shortly.”
4 Chicago police officers face dismissal for allegedly stealing cash and drugs, lying about gun seizures – Chicago Sun-Times, June 5, 2024
Chicago’s top cop has moved to fire a group of tactical officers suspected of stealing drugs and money and lying about the source of guns they took off the street without making arrests. Officers Daniel Fair, Jeffery Morrow, Kevin Taylor and Rupert Collins are accused of engaging in misconduct the Civilian Office of Police Accountability deemed “substantial and irrefutable.”
Evanston’s Groundbreaking Reparations Program Faces Class Action Lawsuit – WTTW, June 5, 2024
Evanston’s groundbreaking reparations program is now facing a legal challenge. The program is aimed at addressing housing discrimination and segregation that took place in the northern suburb from 1919 to 1969. The city’s original plan was to distribute funds to eligible Black households in the form of $25,000 payments for home repairs, down payments or interest or late penalties owed to the city.
Downtown rents moderating as new apartments hit the market – Crain’s Chicago Business, June 5, 2024
Demand is still outpacing supply in the downtown rental market, though apartment seekers got some good luck as a wave of new high-rises opened and helped cool off prices. So far this year, 2,400 new apartment units have become available downtown, with a total of 3,600 projected to be delivered in 2024 as developers complete projects that were financed before the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes, according to the Chicago office of Integra Realty Resources. That’s a jump from about 2,900 units brought to market in 2023 and 1,500 in 2022.
Ethics committee to consider measure prohibiting lobbyists from giving to mayoral candidates, appointments to fill two Board of Ethics vacancies – The Daily Line, June 6, 2024
The City Council Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight will meet Thursday and consider new regulations on the financial contributions that the mayor’s campaign committee can accept and two new appointments to the Chicago Board of Ethics, a month after the committee’s chair called on two board vacancies to be filled.
Housing committee approves renewed CHA agreement for tenant grievance hearings, $8.7M in bonds to finance affordable housing in Humboldt Park – The Daily Line, June 6, 2024
The City Council Committee on Housing and Real Estate on Wednesday approved a measure to continue to allow the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) to use city hearing officers for its tenant grievance process after the measure was held last month.
City officials lay out steps taken to speed up spending of ARPA funding as major deadline looms – The Daily Line, June 5, 2024
Budget Director Annette Guzman and Chief Operating Officer John Roberson told members of the City Council Committee on Budget and Government Operations Monday that Chicago has spent 40 percent of the federal COVID-19 relief funds that are meant to go to myriad community initiatives across the city.
CPD stresses readiness for Democratic National Convention as Secret Service boss visits Chicago – Chicago Tribune, June 4, 2024
As the Democratic National Convention draws closer, leaders of the Chicago Police Department and United States Secret Service on Tuesday again sought to highlight their preparation efforts ahead of the August convention that’s sure to attract thousands of protesters.
Asian Americans working to translate growing numbers in Chicago into political power – Chicago Tribune, June 3, 2024
Flanked by a cadre of young, bedazzled Chinese lion dancers, Mayor Brandon Johnson attempted to honor Ald. Nicole Lee for being the first Asian American to represent Chicago’s 11th Ward. But Lee, also the City Council’s first alderman of Chinese descent, was soon wincing at how he described her Near South Side community — the city’s first Asian-majority ward.
Opinion: Violence and slurs are always a threat. But it’s trans community that keeps me safe – Chicago Sun-Times, June 5, 2024
I wish I could only tell you good stories about being a trans woman in Chicago. One evening in March 2023, I was riding the bus with another trans woman on our way to catch a movie at the University of Chicago. Near the front of the nearly-empty bus, a man with a nearly empty bottle of liquor kept staring at us.
Congress expands Northwestern probe over antisemitism – Crain’s Chicago Business, June 4, 2024
Congress is expanding efforts to investigate antisemitism on Northwestern University’s campus following President Michael Schill’s appearance before a congressional committee last month.
Lawyers for ex-Ald. Ed Burke to make in-person pitch to toss corruption conviction – Chicago Tribune, June 5, 2024
Six months after ex-Chicago Ald. Edward Burke’s landmark corruption conviction, his lawyers will be back in court Wednesday in a long-shot bid for a retrial on some counts and an outright acquittal on others.
Loop’s safety and hospitality ‘ambassadors’ program expands for summer – Chicago Sun-Times, June 4, 2024
The advocacy group Chicago Loop Alliance is expanding its ambassadors safety and hospitality program starting this week to the central Loop — beyond its normal focus on State Street — for four months through the busy summer tourism and festival season and the Democratic National Convention in August.
Chicago alderpeople scrutinize mayor’s plans to quickly spend COVID relief money – WBEZ, June 3, 2024
The Chicago City Council scrutinized Monday Mayor Brandon Johnson’s plan to quickly budget hundreds of millions of federal COVID-19 relief dollars before a looming end-of-year deadline.
Churches near United Center left praying for guidance during Democratic Convention – CBS News, June 3, 2024
Pastor Frank Dixon Jr. likes to share tale after tale of the 139-year-old West Side Community Church. He’s hoping to add only good stories to the mix after the Democratic National Convention takes place across the street.
City of Chicago Unveils Microsite Highlighting 47 Transformative Creative Placemaking Grant Projects – Chicago Defender, June 3, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson, The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and Office of Equity and Racial Justice (OERJ) proudly announce a new microsite (chicagocreativeplace.com) featuring 47 community-driven creative projects aimed at promoting racial healing and revitalizing neighborhoods.
Juneteenth now celebrated for entire month of June in Cook County – Chicago Sun-Times, June 3, 2024
As Juneteenth approaches, a local nonprofit wants the holiday to be about celebrating the liberation of enslaved Black people and uplifting Chicago’s underserved youth on the South and West sides. The holiday marks a historic moment from 159 years ago and will be officially celebrated in Cook County for the fourth time on June 19.
Workforce Development committee approves appointment of new chair, members of Human Resources Board – The Daily Line, June 4, 2024
The City Council Committee on Workforce Development approved the appointment of three new members of the city’s Human Resources Board on Monday, including a new chair. The appointments now go before the City Council at its next regular meeting.
Dolton trustees override Henyard’s veto of Lightfoot investigation – WGN, June 3, 2024
Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot was in south suburban Dolton on Monday night where she has been asked to investigate Village Mayor Tiffany Henyard. During the meeting, four members of the Dolton Board of Tustees voted to override Mayor Henyard’s veto of their Lightfoot hire.
CTA president combative in committee hearing a week after most of City Council signs on to resolution for his removal – The Daily Line, May 31, 2024
Dorval Carter, the embattled president of the Chicago Transit Authority, struck a defiant tone during a combative hearing before the Committee on Transportation and Public Way Thursday, which came a week after a majority of alderpeople signed on to a resolution calling for his resignation or firing.
Budget committee to hold ARPA hearings; Workforce committee to consider appointments to Human Resources Board – The Daily Line, June 3, 2024
On Monday, the City Council Committee on Workforce Development will meet and consider several appointments and the approval of two collective bargaining agreements, while the council’s budget committee will hold a daylong meeting to discuss the current spending of federal pandemic relief funds by city departments and offices.
Lawmakers’ lack of action on new Bears lakefront stadium raises hopes in Arlington Heights – Chicago Tribune, June 1, 2024
After a legislative session with no action on a new Chicago Bears lakefront stadium — and a conservation group coming out against the proposal — Arlington Heights officials are hopeful that the team may eventually turn its attention back to the suburbs.
Will County township supervisor has no regrets flying inverted U.S. flag outside public offices for Trump – Chicago Tribune, June 2, 2024
The Republican leader of the Will County Board, who also serves as Homer Township supervisor, is defending himself after ordering the U.S. flag outside the township offices to be flown upside down Friday as a symbol of national “distress” following former President Donald Trump’s conviction last week on 34 felony counts.
Chicago Wants to Enlist Remote Workers in Rescue of Downtown – Bloomberg, May 31, 2024
Chicago is still reeling from a lack of workers four years after the pandemic hollowed out US cities. The downtown vacancy rate has been setting records quarter after quarter and recently rose to 22.5%, according to Jones Lang LaSalle Inc. Perceptions of crime aren’t going away, with China’s Cofco International the latest firm to say it plans to leave the city. The population has declined three years in a row.
Russian propaganda push expected in Chicago for Democratic National Convention, experts say – Chicago Sun-Times, May 31, 2024
When the Democratic National Convention hits Chicago in August, demonstrators are expected to take to the streets to draw attention to a wide range of causes — immigration, police misconduct, abortion, the wars in Gaza and Ukraine.
Chicago isn’t the only city with saggy downtown home prices – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 31, 2024
Chicago’s downtown housing market has been beset by saggy prices in the 2020s, but it’s not alone, according to a new nationwide report that found a majority of big U.S. cities are in the same boat. In 31 of the country’s 40 largest cities, home prices in downtown neighborhoods have trailed behind those in the rest of the city, according to the report released yesterday by Property Shark, an online real estate information database.
Asian Americans working to translate growing numbers in Chicago into political power – Chicago Tribune, June 1, 2024
The lobby of City Hall was awash in crimson and gold as Mayor Brandon Johnson and a small group of local Asian American politicians convened for a Lunar New Year celebration. Flanked by a cadre of young, bedazzled Chinese lion dancers, Johnson attempted to honor Ald. Nicole Lee for being the first Asian American to represent Chicago’s 11th Ward.
Hundreds walk out of U. of C. convocation protesting war in Gaza, one person arrested – Chicago Tribune, June 1, 2024
Hundreds of pro-Palestinian students and faculty walked out of the University of Chicago’s convocation Saturday morning, marching around campus before a tense confrontation with police, which led to an arrest.
New legislation could end feud between DuPage County Board and county clerk –NC TV 17, May 31, 2024
New legislation approved in Springfield earlier this week could end the controversy between the DuPage County Board, and County Clerk Jean Kaczmarek over unpaid invoices and a lack of a competitive bidding at the source.
