104th General Assembly Leadership and Committee Assignments
House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch announced the appointment of committee chairs for the Illinois House. The list includes a range of seasoned experts from both parties to chair key committees, including Republican Rep. Dan Swanson (R-Alpha), a 27-year U.S. Army veteran, who will lead the House Veterans Affairs Committee. This marks the first time in over a decade that a Republican has chaired a committee. Welch emphasized that the new chairs bring valuable legislative experience, compassion, and a commitment to serving Illinois families.
Welch also announced the creation of several new committees to reflect the growing demands throughout the state. These include the Gun Violence Prevention Committee, the Museums, Arts & Culture Committee, the International Relations, Tourism & Trade Committee, and the Appropriations – Personnel & Pensions Committee. To better reflect their purviews, the Elementary & Secondary Education: Curriculum & Policy Committee will be renamed the Education Policy Committee, and the Restorative Justice Committee will be renamed the Restorative Justice & Public Safety Committee.
Additionally, Speaker Welch appointed a new leadership team, which included a few familiar faces. Rep. Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston) will continue to serve as Majority Leader. Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) will now serve as speaker pro tempore and co-budgeteer – a position previously held by Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-Peoria). Other shifts in leadership include Rep. Natalie Manley (D-Joliet) and Rep. Aaron Ortiz (D-Chicago), who will both no longer serve on the leadership team. On the Republican side, leadership will remain the same as last year, with the exception of Rep. Charlie Meier (R-Okawville), who will no longer serve on the leadership team due to personal health challenges.
The Senate Democrats and Republicans, on the other hand, have not announced their leadership positions or committee chairs. However, President Harmon did announce that the Senate will be removing the Early Childhood Education Committee and adding the following new committees: Child Welfare, Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Pensions.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
January 24 – LRB Request Deadline
February 7 – Bill Introduction Deadline
February 19 – Governor’s State of the State and Budget Address
March 21 – Initial Chamber Committee Deadline
April 11 – Initial Chamber Third Reading Deadline
May 9 – Opposite Chamber Committee Deadline
May 23 – Opposite Chamber Third Reading Deadline
May 31 – Adjournment
In the News
Oral arguments scheduled for challenge to Illinois law limiting venues for constitutional challenges – The Daily Line, January 17, 2025
Illinois’ constitutional officers and legislative leaders raised more than $8 million and spent more than $17 million in the final months of 2024.
Michael Madigan Defense Rests its Case as Landmark Corruption Trial Winds Toward an End – WTTW, January 16, 2025
Defense attorneys for Michael Madigan have officially rested their case, as the longtime Illinois House Speaker’s corruption trial winds toward its conclusion.
Springfield residents press for ‘public process’ to fill alderperson vacancy – The State Journal-Register, January 16, 2025
Some Ward 1 residents are hoping that a process to fill a vacancy for alderperson can include a public forum of potential candidates.
Illinois rep launches petition against decriminalizing sex work, citing safety concerns – WPSD, January 16, 2025
In response to a proposal earlier this week to decriminalize sex work in Illinois, State Rep. Patrick Windhorst, R-Metropolis, has launched an online petition for those who want sex work to remain illegal, the Illinois House of Representatives announced Thursday.
Pritzker slams Indiana as ‘low-wage state’ in response to plan to adopt Illinois counties – My Stateline, January 16, 2025
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker slammed Indiana Wednesday, referring to the Hoosier State as a “low-wage” state that “doesn’t protect workers.”
University of Illinois fossil fuel investments could be banned under proposed bill – WAND, January 16, 2025
State Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) said he was contacted by a group of students to bring the bill for consideration.
Illinois constitutional officers, legislative leaders spend combined $17 million in final months of 2024 – The Daily Line, January 17, 2025
Speaker of the House Emanuel “Chris” Welch (D-Chicago) raised $2,243,201.66 in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to Illinois State Board of Election financial disclosures. Q4 goes from Oct. 1 to the end of the year.
Trump’s inauguration is Monday. Here are the Illinois lawmakers that will, won’t attend – The State Journal-Register, January 16, 2025
President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn into office for a second term on Monday at the Presidential Inauguration.
Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch expects Chicago to be on Trump’s ‘dart board’ – Chicago Sun Times, January 16, 2025
“Thank God we live in Illinois because, we’re already Trump-proof,” Welch told the Sun-Times. “We did a lot of the hard work the first time…We took him at his word the first time when he said he would overturn Roe v. Wade and turn the powers of state government against immigrant communities.”
Jury in Madigan trial hears stipulated testimony from Gov. Pritzker as defense case comes to a close – Chicago Tribune, January 15, 2025
Jurors in the Michael Madigan corruption case have heard a lot of evidence about a 2018 meeting between the then-powerful House speaker and incoming Gov. JB Pritzker, where the two Democrats allegedly discussed the topic of state boards.
Madigan’s Capitol lawyer takes the stand as defense case winds down in corruption trial – Chicago Sun Times, January 15, 2025
Heather Wier Vaught testified on what turned out to be a short day for jurors, who are nearing deliberations after 11 weeks of testimony. Closing arguments are expected next week.
Speaker Welch signals support for using state funds to help build Bears stadium – The Center Square, January 15, 2025
Since the team unveiled plans for a $4.7 billion stadium project on the lakefront last year, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and many Illinois lawmakers have balked at providing state taxpayer dollars to help. But Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch told Fox32 that if the Bears built at the former Michael Reese hospital location just south of McCormick Place, that would change things.
IL Freedom Caucus: IL House Minority Leader McCombie Shuts Out Conservative Voices, Refuses Unity in Party Leadership – Illinois Review, January 15, 2025
Despite public comments to the contrary, the Illinois House Minority Leader has telegraphed her unwillingness to heal the fractured Illinois House Republican Caucus by rejecting serious efforts from the Illinois Freedom Caucus to promote unity.
While deficit looms in next year’s budget, current-year revenues remain on track – Capitol News Illinois, January 15, 2025
The Governor’s Office of Management and Budget projects a $3.2 billion deficit for the fiscal year that begins July 1, and the number one task facing Gov. JB Pritzker and the new General Assembly that was seated last week will be to eliminate it.
Should Illinois counties be able to secede and join Indiana? Indiana speaker says yes – IndyStar, January 14, 2025
An Indiana General Assembly bill filed by one of the state’s most powerful lawmakers would set up a commission to “embrace” neighboring counties in Illinois that want to secede and join the Hoosier state.
RTA pitches Springfield on $1.5B revamp to save and even enhance service – Crain’s Chicago Business, January 15, 2025
Chicago-area transit leaders are making their big move in Springfield, unveiling a $1.5 billion plan they say would both avoid a sharp post-COVID reduction in service and help commuters by slashing the average wait for buses and trains in half.
In contentious cross-examination, prosecutor accuses Madigan of not telling ‘the whole truth’ – Capitol News Illinois, January 14, 2025
For nearly three months, government lawyers in former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s federal corruption trial have tried to drill home the amount of control the longtime Democratic powerbroker wielded in Springfield.
Illinois Shelter Alliance calls for $100M state funding boost to fight homelessness – Capitol News Illinois, January 14, 2025
With homelessness increasing in Illinois, a coalition of shelter providers and advocates is calling for a $100 million increase in state funding to prevent homelessness and provide shelter to people without homes.
‘I Put the Knife Into Cullerton’: Madigan Details Falling Out With Senate President as Testimony Continues – wttw, January 14, 2025
Michael Madigan has presented himself to jurors throughout his ongoing testimony in federal court as careful, shrewd and non-confrontational.
Tim Ozinga Resigns from Illinois Republican State Central Committee Amid Ongoing Party Struggles – The Illinois Review, January 14, 2025
In yet another shake-up within the Illinois Republican Party, Tim Ozinga has officially resigned from his role as State Central Committeeman for the 1st Congressional District, effective January 12, 2025.
Republican Dan Swanson tapped to lead veterans committee in Illinois statehouse – The Pantagraph, January 14, 2025
Voting open: Here’s where to cast your ballot for a new state flag – Capitol News Illinois, January 10, 2025
Illinoisans can now vote on whether they want a new state flag. The Illinois Secretary of State’s office officially opened the voting portal on Friday, and votes will be accepted through Feb. 14.
Feds’ cross-exam of Madigan on Solis, McClain, no-show jobs marked by challenges — and chuckles – Chicago Sun Times, January 13, 2025
The highly anticipated confrontation between Assistant U.S. Attorney Amarjeet Bhachu and former House Speaker Mike Madigan drew a capacity crowd Monday to U.S. District Judge John Blakey’s courtroom. Bhachu spent about two and a half hours grilling the once-powerful Southwest Side Democrat.
Legislation to be proposed to decriminalize sex work in Illinois – The Daily Line, January 14, 2025
Illinois lawmakers are pursuing legislation to decriminalize sex work in the state. Legislation being proposed this week in the Illinois General Assembly is the result of a working group made up of current and former sex workers.
Illinois House speaker to Mayor Brandon Johnson: Get ready to hear ‘no’ a lot in Springfield – Chicago Tribune, January 13, 2025
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s continued insistence on looking to Springfield as a magical pot of gold for additional city revenue is being greeted with a stern warning from one powerful voice — Democratic House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch.
Illinois House GOP upset with chamber’s rules favoring majority party – WAND, January 13, 2025
Illinois House Republicans are frustrated that Democratic leaders did not agree to any of their suggested changes to House rules for the 104th General Assembly. GOP members hoped to provide more transparency for taxpayers.
Illinois House sets up pension panel as budget shortfalls loom – Crain’s Chicago Business, January 13, 2025
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch wants to vet the state’s underfunded pensions through a budgetary lens as the Legislature looks to close a potentially $3 billion deficit for the year ahead.
Illinois House speaker urges Mayor Johnson to reveal Springfield wish list – WGN, January 13, 2025
To enact his progressive agenda, Mayor Brandon Johnson is looking to Springfield for an assist, but powerful Speaker of the Illinois House Emanuel “Chris” Welch warns that money is tight.
Lawmakers ease requirements for those seeking to change their name – Capitol News Illinois, January 13, 2025
A measure awaiting Gov. JB Pritzker’s signature will help protect transgender people and victims of domestic violence who seek to change their names, according to its proponents.
Advocates excited new Illinois law will help non-English speakers in court – WCIA, January 13, 2025
Non-English speakers in Illinois will have access to free translators during their administrative hearings starting July 1.
State Representative Charlie Meier announces he has prostate cancer – WJBD, January 13, 2025
State Representative Charlie Meier has announced he has cancer of the prostate. Meier says he will start a 28-day radiation treatment immediately at St. Elizabeth’s in O’Fallon. He says the good news is that this type of cancer is very treatable.
Illinois House speaker hints taxpayer money could go toward a new Bears stadium in Bronzeville – FOX32 Chicago, January 13, 2025
Contractors brace for the demise of diversity initiatives – Crain’s Chicago Business, January 13, 2025
With diversity initiatives under sweeping attack nationwide, minority and women contractors in Illinois are bracing for changes, or even the elimination of the government set-aside programs that for years have ensured a steady stream of work.
Pritzker Organization’s 53 Stations invests in lab procurement platform Labviva – Crain’s Chicago Business, January 13, 2025
53 Stations, the venture-capital fund supported by The Pritzker Organization, led a $25 million Series B fundraising round for Labviva, a lab and life sciences procurement platform in Boston.
Illinois House speaker to Mayor Brandon Johnson: Get ready to hear ‘no’ a lot in Springfield – Chicago Tribune, January 13, 2025
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s continued insistence on looking to Springfield as a magical pot of gold for additional city revenue is being greeted with a stern warning from one powerful voice — Democratic House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch.
Debate over the future of CTA, Metra, Pace, RTA to heat up in Springfield this year – Chicago Tribune, January 12, 2025
The Chicago area’s four transit agencies are staring down a budget gap that could lead to massive service cuts and fare hikes, and efforts in Springfield to address the challenges are set to heat up this year.
Former Argosy University students pray for debt relief as Biden departs – Chicago Sun-Times, January 11, 2025
Argosy, which had campuses downtown and in Schaumburg, abruptly closed in 2019. It left students with crippling loan payments and questionable degrees.
Moore: Illinois’ turbulent lame duck session foreshadows challenges ahead – The Pantagraph, January 12, 2025
As a powerful weather system dropped 8 inches of snow on Illinois’ capital city last weekend, another storm began brewing under the state Capitol dome.
Proposed zoning changes could bring more density to Far North Side corridor – Crain’s Chicago Business, January 16, 2025
A new land use plan in the works for a Far North Side thoroughfare could bring taller, denser development and more housing to Uptown and Edgewater.
CTA chief of staff named interim president following Dorval Carter’s resignation – Crain’s Chicago Business, January 15, 2025
Nora Leerhsen, who currently serves as the chief of staff for the Chicago Transit Authority, will assume the role of interim president following the retirement of Dorval Carter at the end of January.
City Council sides with Mayor Brandon Johnson on Chicago’s sanctuary city dispute – Chicago Tribune, January 15, 2025
An effort by opponents of Mayor Brandon Johnson to water down Chicago’s sanctuary city ordinance faltered in the City Council Wednesday, a victory for the mayor as his administration prepares for the looming threat of deportations under incoming President Donald Trump.
Chicago City Council Votes 39-11 to Reject Push to Scale Back Protections for Undocumented Immigrants – WTTW, January 15, 2025
The Chicago City Council voted 39-11 Wednesday to reject an effort to weaken Chicago’s protections for undocumented residents as the city’s immigrant communities brace for mass deportations.
RTA Wants Lawmakers to Boost Its Authority to Oversee, Coordinate Chicago-Area Transit – WTTW, January 15, 2025
The Regional Transportation Authority is pitching what it calls a “historic restructuring” that would grant the agency authority to more aggressively coordinate fare policy, service standards and capital projects among CTA, Metra and Pace — reforms the RTA said could create both cost savings and a vastly improved rider experience.
Chicago receives S&P downgrade to BBB – The Bond Buyer, January 15, 2025
Floating Farmers Market? Parks Over Expressways? Here Are The Ideas For Reigniting Culture Downtown – Block Club Chicago, January 15, 2025
Ideas presented by Team Culture, a group of arts and business leaders, aim to revitalize Downtown Chicago through arts and culture.
S&P downgrades Chicago’s credit rating — and the mayor pushes back – Crain’s Chicago Business, January 14, 2025
Citing the structural imbalances in the city’s recently approved 2025 budget and the expectation the 2026 cycle will be challenging, S&P Global Ratings downgraded Chicago’s credit rating today.
United Center owners show new details of 1901 Project – Crain’s Chicago Business, January 14, 2025
The owners of the United Center have lifted the hood further on their vision to spend $7 billion redeveloping the area around the arena, a megaproject they will present to city planning officials this week with the goal of beginning work on a $400 million initial phase this spring.
Sterling Bay aims to force City Council vote on apartment proposal shot down by zoning committee – Crain’s Chicago Business, January 14, 2025
The developers behind a Lincoln Park apartment proposal that failed to get zoning approval despite meeting city goals for affordable housing are now taking a new path, seeking to force a City Council vote via an express lane that’s never been used in the city before.
Council to vote on lowering default speed limit, amendment to Welcoming City ordinance – The Daily Line, January 15, 2025
Alderpeople at Wednesday’s City Council meeting are set to consider final votes on a package of proposals to lower the city’s default speed limit and examine more equitable enforcement of speeding and traffic laws. Two alderpeople also plan to call a vote on a measure to allow Chicago Police to work with federal immigration officials in criminal matters. The City Council meets at 10 a.m.
Donald Trump’s mass deportation pledge could test Chicago’s immigrant protections – Chicago Tribune, January 15, 2025
President-elect Donald Trump’s vow to enact mass deportations — and his famous antipathy toward Chicago — have girded local immigration activists for the immediate aftermath of his inauguration.
Police and fire committee approves four Police Board appointments – The Daily Line, January 15, 2025
The City Council Committee on Police and Fire approved four appointments to the Chicago Police Board Tuesday. The committee had been slated to meet last week to vote on the appointees, but the meeting was rescheduled after a lack of a quorum.
U.S. Supreme Court hears appeal by former Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson – Chicago Sun-Times, January 14, 2025
A jury found Thompson guilty in February 2022 of two counts of lying to regulators and five counts of filing false income tax returns. He claims he was wrongly convicted of lying even though his statements were misleading.
Mayor believes public opinion is on his side in push for more progressive revenue, says multiple policy ideas should be evaluated – The Daily Line, January 14, 2025
Even before approving a budget that swapped a $300 million property tax hike proposal for a slew of fee, tax and fine hikes, along with spending reductions and efficiencies, Mayor Brandon Johnson has reiterated that progressive revenue sources are needed to keep Chicago financially stable to avoid squeezing working class residents.
Immigration advocates warn a proposal for Chicago police to help ICE could be illegal – WBEZ Chicago, January 10, 2025
The proposal would allow police to help with deportations, but the city’s law department says it violates state law. Advocates say it could also have a chilling effect on immigrant communities.
Red Line Extension Secures $2 Billion In Federal Funds Before Trump Takes Office – Block Club Chicago, January 10, 2025
Transit officials said last month they were “confident” they’d strike the deal to extend the Red Line south to 130th Street before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. Trump lobbied to kill the bill that will now support the $5.7 billion project.
After a long, often rocky ride, CTA President Dorval Carter to retire – Chicago Sun Times, January 13, 2025
Embattled CTA President Dorval Carter Jr. was moved to tears on Friday after signing the agreement that will lock in nearly $2 billion in federal funding for the southern extension of the Red Line.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson talks 2025 budget, preparing for Trump with WCPT’s Richard Chew – WCPT 820 Radio, January 13, 2025
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson joined WCPT’s Richard Chew last Friday to tout what he called “one of the most inclusive, collaborative processes” in the history of Chicago budget negotiations, highlighting the absence of service cuts, furloughs and layoffs.
Settlement approved in whistleblower lawsuit against Board of Review commissioner – The Daily Line, January 17, 2025
A former Cook County Board of Review employee will receive $180,000 to settle a whistleblower lawsuit he filed alleging he was retaliated against for refusing to obey “unethical and unlawful” directives from Comm. Samantha Steele (D-2). The settlement agreement was approved by the Cook County Board of Commissioners Thursday.
Bulls’ and Blackhawks’ plan to begin remaking the neighborhood surrounding United Center wins commission approval – Chicago Tribune, January 17, 2025
The Chicago Plan Commission on Thursday endorsed the first phase of a plan by the Reinsdorf and Wirtz families to remake the Near West Side neighborhood around the United Center.
On day after city credit downgrade, Johnson seeks to float up to $830M in debt – Crain’s Chicago Business, January 16, 2025
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson wants to sell as much as $830 million in general obligation bonds, filing an ordinance to approve the borrowing one day after S&P Global Ratings cut the city’s credit rating.
City Hall lobbyist repays $96,000 in tax breaks Sun-Times showed he never should have been given – Chicago Sun Times, January 17, 2025
A Sun-Times investigation had shown that Armando Saleh and other Cook County homeowners were getting tax breaks that are allowed only for a person’s principal residence on multiple properties.
Finance committee to consider police misconduct settlements, Diversey/Chicago River TIF expansion – The Daily Line, January 13, 2025
The City Council Committee on Finance on Monday will consider multiple multimillion-dollar legal settlement proposals in police misconduct cases and the proposed expansion of a tax increment financing (TIF) district. The finance committee meets at 10 a.m. in council chambers.
Ahead of CTA fiscal cliff, Mayor Brandon Johnson warns Springfield not to hold Chicago hostage for ‘political gain’ – Chicago Tribune, January 10, 2025
Mayor Brandon Johnson gave a pointed endorsement Friday of embattled CTA President Dorval Carter ahead of a potential showdown with state leaders over the future of the transit agency, at a news conference heralding the official approval of the last chunk of federal money for the Red Line extension.
Red Line Extension Secures $2 Billion In Federal Funds Before Trump Takes Office – Block Club Chicago, January 10, 2025
Transit officials said last month they were “confident” they’d strike the deal to extend the Red Line south to 130th Street before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. Trump lobbied to kill the bill that will now support the $5.7 billion project.
Immigration advocates warn a proposal for Chicago police to help ICE could be illegal – WBEZ Chicago, January 10, 2025
Immigration advocates and attorneys are sounding the alarm about an ordinance that would allow Chicago police to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, saying the one-page proposal would open the door to constitutional rights violations and legal challenges that could leave taxpayers on the hook for multimillion-dollar settlements.
