Sen. Gillespie and Rep. Ozinga Resign from the General Assembly
Sen. Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) announced on Tuesday that she will resign from her seat to become the new director of the Illinois Department of Insurance (DOI). Since 2019, she has represented the 27th Senate District, encompassing all or portions of Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, and Rolling Meadows in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Prior to serving in the General Assembly, Sen. Gillespie worked in the healthcare industry. She sponsored a variety of healthcare bills, including legislation to create a state-based health insurance marketplace beginning in 2026. In her new role, Gillespie will oversee regulation of the insurance industry in Illinois under the mandate to protect consumers and foster competitive markets. Gillespie is replacing Dana Popish Severinghaus, whose last day with DOI is April 15. Democratic committeepeople in her district must choose a replacement in the next 30 days. Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) and Rep. Mary Beth Canty (D-Arlington Heights) are the most likely candidates to replace Sen. Gillespie, given that they already serve in the General Assembly and have been elected by half of her district.
On Monday, Rep. Tim Ozinga (R-Mokena) resigned from his seat representing the 37th House district, which he has held since 2021. In his resignation statement, Rep. Ozinga did not provide a clear reason for leaving the General Assembly at this time. He ran unopposed for reelection in the 2024 Republican primary just last month. In 2022, while serving as House Republican finance chair, he attempted to replace former House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, although current House Republican Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savana) ended up taking over the position. Ozinga’s future plans remain uncertain, but his family owns a well-known concrete company. Rep. Ozinga’s district includes the southwestern Chicago suburbs of Frankfort, Homer Glen, Mokena, and Orland Park. Republican committeepeople in his district must now convene to pick a replacement within 30 days.
Mayor Brandon Johnson Expresses Support for $70M in Migrant Funding
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson met with alderpersons this week to brief them on a proposal to approve $70M in funding for migrant services. This is a significant reversal of Mayor Johnson’s position on providing additional funding for migrants in 2024. Back in January, he allegedly reached an agreement with Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle to provide an additional $321M to fill the gap in funding for the influx of migrants arriving in Illinois, mostly to Chicago. Both the State of Illinois and Cook County provided their respective $182M and $70M portions of the deal, but the City of Chicago decided to back out of their $69M commitment. Now, Mayor Johnson appears to be recommitting to the original deal, though the exact timeline and whether this funding will be approved by the City Council remains unclear. The proposed $70M would be in addition to the $150M already set aside in the 2024 city budget to address migrant needs. Johnson, Pritzker, and Preckwinkle expect the busing of migrants into Chicago to ramp up later this summer ahead of the Democratic National Convention from August 19 to 22.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
April 12 – Senate Third Reading Deadline
April 19 – House Third Reading Deadline
May 3 – Opposite Chamber Committee Deadline
May 17 – Opposite Chamber Third Reading Deadline
May 24 – Adjournment
May 25-31 – Contingent Session Days for Budget
November 5 – 2024 General Election
In the News
Senate advances BIPA reform business groups are still opposed to – The Daily Line, April 12, 2024
The Senate advanced long-awaited reform to the state’s biometric privacy law that has cost many businesses hundreds of millions, or even billions, of dollars in massive lawsuits. But despite having some concerns addressed, business groups are still opposed.
PPP fraud investigation by state watchdog finds $7.2 million in improper loans – Chicago Sun Times, April 11, 2024
More than four years after the outbreak of COVID-19, a state watchdog is continuing to investigate public employees ripping off millions of dollars from the federal Paycheck Protection Program intended for businesses that struggled during the pandemic.
Illinois Senate passes plan to provide free state IDs to people leaving prison, jail – WAND, April 11, 2024
People leaving Illinois prisons and jails could soon receive a state ID for free. Under Senate Bill 2803, incarcerated people who previously held a state ID or driver’s license would be able to submit a form to the Secretary of State’s Office. Applicants would need a photo taken by the correctional facility and must provide proof of residency upon discharge.
Giannoulias calls for disclosure of lobbyist contracts – Capitol News Illinois, April 11, 2024
For decades, lobbyists in the Illinois Statehouse have been required to report how much they spend wining, dining and entertaining lawmakers. Currently, though, there is no law requiring lobbyists to disclose how much they are paid by corporations, industry groups or other special interest organizations.
Opinion: The fight against government bloat needs more powerful allies – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 9, 2024
Every now and then, Bob Anderson, a spritely 86-year-old former barber and activist from McHenry County, drops me an email about a topic that’s consumed him for decades: getting rid of Illinois’ over-abundance of unnecessary, taxpayer-supported units of government, especially townships.
Welch’s newest message to his caucus is to play the ‘infinite game’ – The Daily Line, April 11, 2024
House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) has a new message for his caucus this year: play the infinite game. Welch gives his caucus a new book each session that is designed to impart a theme for members to follow for the spring. The books are often on leadership topics and this year it’s “The Infinite Game” by Simon Sinek.
Illinois lawmakers discuss potential $300 child tax credit – WGEM, April 10, 2024
Illinois state lawmakers discussed a proposal Wednesday giving families up to a $300 child tax credit. The state House Revenue and Finance Committee held a subject matter hearing on the proposal, which would give families up to an additional $300 per kid annually.
Senate President tells business leaders there’s ‘next to no appetite’ for state-funded stadiums – Capitol Fax, April 10, 2024
Senate President Don Harmon told state business leaders earlier this morning that he “made it clear” to White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf during their February meeting “that there’s next to no appetite” in the state Capitol to “fund a new stadium with taxpayer dollars.”
Sen. Fowler’s bill addressing food deserts moves to the House – WSIU, April 10, 2024
The Illinois Senate has approved a bill to address food deserts across the state. Bill sponsor, State Senator Dale Fowler from Harrisburg, says the state is making great strides in raising awareness to the food desert problem that several local communities face.
Illinois Senate passes bill prohibiting single-use plastics in hotels – The Center Square, April 10, 2024
The Illinois Senate is advancing a measure to prohibit certain hotels from using single-use plastic bottles by 2026. State Sen. Laura Fine, D-Glenview, said her Senate Bill 2960 is about encouraging a change in behavior to prohibit hotels from using single use plastics.
Madison County Board will consider putting secession question to voters in November – Yahoo News, April 11, 2024
Madison County voters are one step closer to taking a symbolic vote on whether their county should separate from Chicago and Cook County to form a new state.
Voter data released for nearly 30K Springfield residents by far right publication – The State Journal-Register, April 10, 2024
At least 29,000 Springfield residents have had their personal voter information published this year, an analysis from The State Journal-Register found.
Former Gov. Quinn Wants Voters to Weigh In on Stadiums: ‘It’s Better to First Ask the Taxpayers’ – WTTW, April 10, 2024
It’s been nearly 25 years since former Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn called for a referendum on whether the Bears should get tax dollars for the team’s costly Soldier Field renovation. His efforts at the time were shot down and taxpayers are still on the hook for some $600 million of that rehab effort, even though the Bears might not play at Soldier Field much longer.
Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce Advocates for National Agenda Item to Defend Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – Chicago Reader, April 10, 2024
On Monday, the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce (ILBCC), representing a vanguard in economic empowerment and advocacy for Black businesses both within Illinois and across the nation, announced its call to action in defense of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Prosecutors Critical of Bill Ending “Habitual Criminal” Statute – The Illinoize, April 10, 2024
HB1053, sponsored by Rep. Rita Mayfield (D-Gurnee), was advanced by the House Judiciary-Criminal committee last week that would eliminate the penalty enhancements. Under the Habitual Criminal statute, if a person is convicted twice of murder, criminal sexual assault, aggravated kidnapping, or any another Class X felony can receive an automatic life sentence if they’re convicted of a third Class X felony.
New DCFS director in court to face questions on children stuck in emergency placements – The Chicago Tribune, April 4, 2024
Called into court Thursday to explain how she plans to fix long-standing problems at the state’s troubled welfare agency, Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s new Department of Children and Family Services director assured a judge there would be improvement by the end of the year while acknowledging getting that done won’t be easy.
Sky high: Solar eclipse ‘holiday’ sparks exhilaration and emotions across Chicago, southern Illinois – The Chicago Sun-Times, April 8, 2024
Crowds, all across Chicago and nationwide, peered skyward to watch the moon march its way across the sun during Monday’s solar eclipse. Some traveled hundreds of miles, others merely stepped outside for the event — a spectacle that won’t be seen in the U.S. again until 2044.
State Rep. Tim Ozinga Resigns – WJOL, April 8, 2024
WJOL has learned that Republican State Rep. Tim Ozinga has resigned from his position effective immediately. Ozinga has served the 37th district since 2021. According to state law the vacancy must be filled within 30 days of the resignation with the appointment made by the political party of the last incumbent.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker taps northwest suburban lawmaker to run state insurance department – The Chicago Tribune, April 8, 2024
Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Monday announced the appointment of a northwest suburban lawmaker to head the state’s Department of Insurance. State Sen. Ann Gillespie of Arlington Heights will step down from her legislative post to lead the agency as acting director. Her appointment requires confirmation by the state senate. She replaces Dana Popish Severinghaus, who assumed the department’s top post in 2021 and will be leaving the position next week.
Illinois House Speaker leads effort to oust longtime lawmaker in primary – The Center Square, April 8, 2024
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, led a nearly $2 million effort to oust the longest=serving lawmaker at the Illinois Statehouse. State Rep. Mary Flowers, D-Chicago, said it was obvious the successful effort to beat her at the polls was retaliation. She told The Center Square the retaliation wasn’t warranted because if she did something unethical, there’s an ethics office to address those concerns.
Talks continuing on ending of state grocery tax – WSPY, April 8, 2024
Newark State Rep. Jed Davis says talks are continuing on a proposal to end the state’s one percent grocery tax. He says it sounds good, but will result in lost revenue for local governments. He’s calling it essentially an unfunded mandate from the state and says that communities like Yorkville and Plano will be out hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Government accountability on ‘back burner’ as AG makes ‘excuses,’ legislator says – The Center Square, April 5, 2024
A state lawmaker says the Illinois attorney general is “making an excuse” when it comes to government accountability. State Rep. Amy Elik, R-Alton, said her office saw an increase in constituents reaching out to inquire about the time it takes to address either a Freedom of Information Act or Open Meetings Act violation allegation.
‘The great show in the sky’: Solar eclipse will once again drive Illinois tourism – Capitol News Illinois, April 5, 2024
The total solar eclipse on the afternoon of April 8 will be visible over 128 miles throughout southern and southeastern Illinois, a phenomenon that is expected to bring up to 200,000 visitors to the eclipse’s prime viewing path
IL House committee approves bills to reopen cold cases, provide transparent homicide data – WAND, April 4, 2024
The Illinois House Judiciary-Criminal Committee approved plans Thursday to help re-open cold cases and provide more transparency on homicide investigations.
IL House Super Minority Leader Complains About Democrat Control, Says She’ll “Keep Knocking on the Door Until They let me in” – Illinois Review, April 5, 2024
On Friday, Illinois House Republican Minority Leader Tony McCombie vented about the Democrat’s control in the legislature and the abrupt cancellation of the day’s legislative business, as Republicans maintain their status in the super minority while the Democrats control a 38-seat majority and campaign accounts flush with cash.
Rep. Kelly Cassidy helped make Illinois a haven for LGBTQ+ rights & says the impact is beyond words – LGBTQ Nation, April 5, 2024
Illinois state Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D) left Florida for Chicago when she was still a teenager, skipped college, went to work right away, had three kids in short order, and has been moving at the same lightning speed ever since.
Illinois Politics: Always interesting, sometimes stranger than fiction – Center for Illinois Politics, April 7, 2024
Here’s a story about Illinois politics you haven’t heard. The name you remember is Glenn Poshard, former congressman who nearly became governor of Illinois in 1998. He served as president of Southern Illinois University and is still revered as the undisputed king of downstate Democrats.
From capping the Kennedy to a lakefront stadium, new planning chief tackles big ideas – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 11, 2024
Department of Planning & Development Commissioner Ciere Boatright expressed that Chicago is open for business — and wants to keep its sports teams — in the administration’s latest overture to the city’s business community.
Feds look to call ex-aldermen to testify at Madigan trial as experts on machine politics, City Hall – Chicago Tribune, April 11, 2024
Federal prosecutors are seeking to call a pair of former Chicago aldermen as experts in the city’s political landscape at the upcoming racketeering trial of former Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan.
Civic Federation endorses Chicago’s $1.25 billion bond plan for economic development – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 11, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed $1.25 billion bond plan to fund affordable housing and economic development projects received a thumbs-up from the Civic Federation today during a second committee hearing probing the measure.
Updated $1.25B housing and economic development bond proposal would give council more authority over spending, more frequent updates from officials – The Daily Line, April 12, 2024
The City Council Committee on Finance on Thursday held its second subject matter hearing in several weeks on Mayor Brandon Johnson’s $1.25 billion proposed bond issuance to bolster existing housing, cultural and economic development programs citywide.
Two of Chicago’s stalwart industries will be economic sore spots this year – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 11, 2024
The Chicago area’s economic growth during 2024 will lag other big U.S. cities due to its reliance on old-school industries that require heavy capital investments for expansion.
Could Chicago Food Deserts Soon Get More Grocery Stores? State Program Aims To Give Away Millions – Block Club Chicago, April 11, 2024
A new state program will help fund grocery stores in food deserts in Chicago and across Illinois, boosting equitable access to healthy, fresh foods. The New Stores in Food Deserts Program will offer grants ranging from $160,000 to $2.4 million to grocers who build grocery stores in food deserts identified by the United States Department of Agriculture.
The city rejects a new revenue source in Sox, Bears stadium talks – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 11, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration is holding high-stakes discussions with the Chicago Bears and Chicago White Sox this week as the two teams try to arrange a financial deal that would allow both teams to build new stadiums in the city.
Bears seek property tax refund for Arlington Park – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 11, 2024
The Chicago Bears have taken another step to try to reduce their property tax bill at the former Arlington International Racecourse, even as the prospects appear to wane that the team will pursue a stadium-anchored mixed-use campus on the site.
CTA Says Red Line Extension a ‘Top Priority’ for Biden Administration, on Track to Begin Construction Next Year – WTTW, April 11, 2024
Chicago Transit Authority President Dorval Carter said the agency is on track to hit a major milestone in the Red Line Extension project by the end of the year, with construction on the massive project expected to get underway in 2025.
Chicago Park District union to vote on new five-year contract – Chicago Sun-Times, April 10, 2024
Two weeks after voting to authorize a strike, Chicago Park District union workers will vote to ratify a new five-year contract tentatively agreed to with the city. The agreement was announced late Tuesday by Service Employees International Union Local 73, which represents more than 2,200 park district workers. Negotiations had been ongoing for nine months.
Chicagoans, including Rahm Emanuel, attend White House State Dinner for the Japanese prime minister – Chicago Sun-Times, April 10, 2024
Chicagoans who are top donors and fundraisers for President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign — and U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel and members of his family — were among the guests at the State Dinner Biden and first lady Jill hosted Wednesday for Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife, Yuko.
Court allows Obama Center construction to keep moving – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 9, 2024
A U.S. appeals court decision allows construction of the Obama Presidential Center to move forward, defeating the latest attempt by a local nonprofit to argue the center would privatize public land — and doing so in language that bordered on exasperation.
Lucius promises data systems modernization, one-stop-shop billing, digital readiness for new aldermanic offices as committee approves chief information officer appointment – The Daily Line, April 10, 2024
The City Council Committee on Economic, Capital and Technology Development on Tuesday approved the appointment of Nick Lucius as the city’s chief information officer. Lucius has served as the city’s chief technology officer since 2022 and before that served as the chief data officer.
Downtown Chicago’s condo development boom has ended. Here’s why. – Chicago Tribune, April 10, 2024
For the first time in years, there are no new large condo projects under construction in downtown Chicago. Roughly 2,500 condos have been developed downtown since 2015 as multiple towers were constructed, and about 600 of those units are still available, said Gail Lissner, managing director for Integra Realty Resources.
Zoning code changes, expedited affordable housing approval, fewer design and environmental reviews — here’s what’s proposed in Mayor Johnson’s ‘Cut the Tape’ report – The Daily Line, April 9, 2024
Following a 90-day timeline that kicked off with the issuance of an executive order, Mayor Brandon Johnson last week unveiled a sweeping list of recommendations to speed up and reduce the cost of developing real estate across the city while aiming to allow development to occur in more places.
As Cook County mourns Clerk Karen Yarbrough, planning starts to pick her successor – Chicago Sun-Times, April 9, 2024
As Cook County mourns Clerk Karen Yarbrough, there are plans in the works to pick her successor. Yarbrough, a Democrat and veteran lawmaker, had more than two years left in her second term. The Cook County Democratic Party will vote to appoint her temporary replacement, though the timeline won’t be announced until after Yarbrough’s funeral out of respect for her family, said Jacob Kaplan, the party’s executive director.
Chicago Pride Parade Will Be Smaller This Year Due To ‘Safety And Logistical Concerns’ – Block Club Chicago, April 10, 2024
The Chicago Pride Parade is scaling down this year, organizers said. The parade returns June 30 for its 53rd edition, drawing tens of thousands of people to Uptown, Lakeview and Lincoln Park to celebrate LGBTQ+ identities and allies.
CTA said more train service would be coming. Most riders will have to wait longer for that to happen. – The Chicago Tribune, April 8, 2024
In February, after years of complaints about CTA service, agency President Dorval Carter told aldermen rail service would be restored to prepandemic levels by the end of 2024. The following month the CTA doubled down, saying the agency planned to add rail service throughout the spring and summer.
At City Hall, a progressive crusader steps into the chief of staff role – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 9, 2024
In Washington, the power brokers of old were JFK and FDR. On Capitol Hill today, Congressional gossip buzzes around AOC and MTG. In Chicago politics, the three-letter acronym you need to know now is CPZ.
Johnson Misses Deadline to Nominate Permanent Chicago Police Oversight Board – WTTW, April 8, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson missed the deadline to nominate seven people to serve on a permanent board of Chicagoans that will oversee the Chicago Police Department as part of a new era of oversight for the beleaguered law enforcement agency.
In Chicago, President Joe Biden raises millions, assails Donald Trump over abortion rights – The Chicago Tribune, April 8, 2024
President Joe Biden came to Chicago Monday afternoon for a big money Gold Coast fundraiser where he assailed former President Donald Trump for curbing abortion rights and said the “chaos” it has caused symbolized his presidency.
Dolton trustees hire former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot as special investigator – The Chicago Tribune, April 8, 2024
Dolton trustees have hired former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot as a special investigator, to be paid $400 an hour and tasked with probing spending habits of Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard. Henyard is likely to veto the action as illegal, and a letter from an attorney for the village threatened trustees with a lawsuit if they proceeded to hire Lightfoot.
Arab American community in Chicago says data from new racial category could help address disparities – The Chicago Sun-Times, April 5, 2024
It never felt right for Maya Atassi to check a box indicating she was white on government forms asking for her race.
Secret Service Meets With South Loop Businesses About DNC’s Security Impact – Block Club Chicago, April 9, 2024
Downtown businesses and residents are learning more about how they’ll be affected by the Democratic National Convention. On Monday, teams began walking door to door around McCormick Place, handing out flyers with information on the Aug. 19-22 Democratic National Convention.
Reform Groups Say CPD’s Plan to Handle Protests Around DNC Violates First Amendment, Consent Decree – WTTW, April 8, 2024
A new policy that would allow mass arrests of protestors during the Democratic National Convention violates the First Amendment and should be reversed, a coalition of reform groups told the federal judge overseeing efforts to reform the Chicago Police Department.
Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough dies at 73 – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 7, 2024
Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough died today after being hospitalized for what her office described as a “serious medical condition.” She was 73.
Johnson urges progressives to vote for Biden despite support for Israel – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 6, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson is urging progressive and younger voters, like those who launched him into City Hall, to not sit out the November election and to keep President Joe Biden in office despite their feelings on his support for Israel.
‘Watershed’ Moment for Chicago River System as Tougher Rules Take Effect for City’s Sewer Discharges –WTTW, April 6, 2024
Hundreds of people are expected to take part in an open water swim in the Chicago River in September — the first such event in nearly a century, organizers say — that is, if the water quality cooperates. New, more stringent requirements regarding the city of Chicago’s sewer discharges into the river system could make the swim likelier to occur than not.
Bears in a hurry to build domed lakefront stadium, but Friends of the Parks says, ‘Not so fast – Chicago Sun-Times April 5, 2024
Bears President Kevin Warren sounds like a man in a hurry when it comes to building a domed stadium adjacent to Soldier Field. But the advocacy group that has long served as the lakefront’s primary protector is saying, “Not so fast.”
Economic Development Committee to vote on appointment of chief information officer – The Daily Line, April 5, 2024
The City Council Committee on Economic, Capital and Technology Development will meet Tuesday to vote on several appointments, including the appointment of a chief technology officer, and the renewal of a property tax incentive.
One year in: Chicago police district councils face discord amid slow steps toward community oversight – The Chicago Tribune, April 5, 2024
Things had been tense on the Wentworth Police District Council for a while by the time Ephraim Lee walked out of the group’s December meeting.
Fast-tracking Chicago’s housing, commercial development – The Chicago Sun-Times, April 5, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson took the first step Friday to overhaul Chicago’s bloated development processes, making more than 100 recommendations on how to streamline licensing, permitting and development plans.
