**We will not be putting out a weekly report on Friday, April 26.
House Third Reading Deadline Week
Both the House of Representatives and the Senate were in session this week. This was the House third reading deadline week, and House members passed over 200 bills. Bills passed out of the House this week will be sent to the Senate for future consideration. The Senate third reading deadline already passed on April 12, but the Senate considered a few bills that had their third reading deadlines extended. Both chambers will be on break next week and will return to Springfield on Tuesday, April 30. The next deadline is Friday, May 3, which is the opposite chamber bill committee deadline in both the House and Senate. The 2024 General Assembly session is scheduled to adjourn on May 24, with contingent session days from May 25 to 31, if needed.
Hearing on Governor’s Proposed Pension Plan
On Thursday, the House Personnel and Pensions Committee held a subject matter hearing on Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s pension plan as a part of his FY 2025 budget proposal. The pension plan proposes allocating half of funds currently being used to pay off bond debt to pensions after the bonds expire. The state borrowed $10B in pension funding General Obligation Bonds in 2003 set to be retired in FY 2033, and $6B in backlog borrowing General Obligation Bonds in 2017 set to be retired in FY 2030. When the first bonds are retired in FY 2030, the state would begin making additional pension contributions of about $250M per year above the current statutory funding plan. Beginning in FY 2033, after the other bonds are retired, additional pension contributions would increase to about $750M per year above the current plan through the end of the funding ramp. Alexis Sturm, Director of the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) noted that the other 50% of funds currently being used to pay off the expiring bonds were already earmarked to go to the pension system, as a part of the original law establishing bonding. That is why Gov. Pritzker’s plan proposes using only 50% of dollars from the expiring bonds, not 100%.
Gov. Pritzker also proposes changing the ramp from the longstanding 90% funding goal in FY 2045 to 100% funding in FY 2048. Reaching 100% funding would be possible due to additional contributions and the three-year extension of the ramp. David Greising of the Better Government Association (BGA) stated that Illinois is an outlier amongst states for having a funding goal below 100%. If the proposal passes, it would decrease the annual pension payment growth rate from approximately 2.5% per year under the current heavily-backloaded ramp to about 1.85% per year.
Although not included in Gov. Pritzker’s pension funding proposal, members spent a significant amount of time discussing proposals to increase Tier 2 pension benefits to meet Social Security safe harbor requirements. Sturm confirmed that the governor does not currently have any language to address Tier 2 safe harbor, but he remains open to addressing the issue. Both Pat Devaney of the Illinois AFL-CIO and Greising expressed cautious support for the governor’s pension proposal, although they differed in their approach to Tier 2 reform. Devaney, representing public sector union employees, emphasized that he believes Tier 2 benefits are unfair and inadequate, which negatively impacts the State’s ability to recruit and retain employees. He stated that he would like to see comprehensive Tier 2 benefit increases, beyond just the obligation to meet safe harbor. Greising cautioned against significant benefit increases beyond what is required to meet safe harbor or eliminating Tier 2 entirely. He noted that without the creation of Tier 2, the State’s pension systems would be in a significantly worse funding position than they already are. Greising also stated that the cost of increasing Tier 2 benefits to meet safe harbor will be significant, so more broadly increasing benefits would eliminate any savings from Gov. Pritzker’s proposal.
Greising suggested that the governor’s proposal should be considered in tandem with a pension funding proposal from the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago. The Civic Committee plan would increase the personal income tax rate by 0.5% and the corporate income tax rate by 0.7% for ten years, to raise an additional $28.5B for pensions. The decade of increased pension funding would save $37B in future pension contributions. The Civic Committee plan would achieve 100% pension funding in FY 2053, five years later than Gov. Pritzker’s plan. It would contribute significantly more in the earlier years of the ramp than Gov. Pritzker’s plan, and spread contributions over a longer period for much lower annual pension payments towards the end of the ramp. Greising noted that the Civic Committee plan will be much harder to pass through the General Assembly, given that it involves increasing income tax rates, but he believes it warrants consideration.
A third option discussed by members of the Committee would be to issue bonds to pay down pension debt immediately, extend the pension ramp beyond its current FY 2045 schedule, and decrease the target funding percentage to 80%, down from its current 90% goal. Ralph Martire of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability (CBTA) is a leader in promoting this approach. However, Strum stated that the governor is not interested in issuing bonded debt to pay down pension debt. Greising cautioned against lowering the target funding percentage, which would hurt Illinois’ credit rating and decrease corporate confidence.
Gov. Pritzker’s proposed pension funding plan could be passed as a part of the FY 2025 budget prior to the end of the 2024 regular session in May. Committee members noted that any additional pension reforms, such as Tier 2 changes, appear more likely to pass in fall veto session or January 2025 lame duck session.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
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
Lawmakers push tax credit bill to address affordable housing shortage – 25 News, April 18, 2024
State lawmakers are making another attempt to create a state tax credit that would increase the production of affordable housing. The Illinois Housing Council says while federal credit is an essential tool used to develop and preserve affordable rental housing throughout the country, it never covers the entire cost of finishing a development project.
Advocates say a state tax credit would get thousands of affordable housing units built – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 17, 2024
Housing and labor groups say Illinois can spur the development of about 1,100 new units of affordable rentals each year by creating a state tax credit that mimics the long-standing federal tax credit.
Illinoisans can now get documents notarized without leaving home – The Daily Herald, April 16, 2024
Illinoisans who want documents notarized can do so without leaving their homes, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced Wednesday.
Measure requiring 120-day notice of local media sales passes Illinois Senate – The Center Square, April 17, 2024
A measure prohibiting local news organizations from selling to out-of-state buyers without 120 days written notice of the sale to the state and their employees has passed the Illinois Senate.
State lawmaker under federal investigation reacts to Dolton officials being charged and accused – The Center Square, April 17, 2024
A state legislator responding Wednesday to news of Dolton village officials being investigated for possible corruption and one being charged with fraud said it’s up to authorities to investigate the alleged crimes.
US Rep. urges Biden to make the 1908 Springfield Race Riot site a national monument – The State Journal-Register, April 17, 2024
U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Springfield, is calling for the 1908 Springfield Race Riot site to become a national monument. During an April 16 press conference, Budzinski was joined by Monuments for All in front of the U.S Capitol, to urge President Joe Biden to invoke the Antiquities Act and recognize the race riot location as a monument.
In Chicago, Ukrainian prime minister seeks urgent military aid from Congress, Illinois investment – Chicago Sun Times, April 16, 2024
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal joined Gov. J.B. Pritzker and White House Ukrainian envoy Penny Pritzker in Chicago on Tuesday to help encourage American investment in Ukraine while continuing to apply pressure on Congress to send more emergency aid to the war-torn country.
Antisemitic acts in Illinois and nation at worst levels ever, Anti-Defamation League says – Chicago Sun Times, April 16, 2024
Illinois and the rest of the United States are facing an unprecedented level of antisemitic acts since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel and subsequent war in Gaza, according to a new report from the Anti-Defamation League Midwest. In Illinois alone, the 211 antisemitic incidents in 2023 represented a 74% increase from the previous year, according to the report.
How much campaigns in major races spent per vote during primary season – The Daily Line, April 17, 2024
The 2024 primary season was marked by expensive races to unseat incumbents along with several big-spending candidates who fell short of their bids to be their party’s nominees. How much did candidates in top races for the General Assembly spend per vote in the first three months of 2024 and was it enough to win over voters on the March 19 primary?
House advances measures on corporal punishment, speed camera revenues, reproductive rights – The Daily Line, April 17, 2024
The House continued moving toward their Friday deadline to pass House bills to the Senate, moving 63 bills on Tuesday with more than 400 bills that could possibly be passed by the end of the week.
Illinois Senate measure allowing police to address squatters advances – The Center Square, April 16, 2024
State Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Cherry Valley, told the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday the stories continue to stack up about people going on vacation, or going to a long-term care facility, only to come back home to find someone who has taken over their home. Syverson said his Senate Bill 3658 would give police more authority to remove squatters.
‘What does ‘corruptly’ mean?’: Supreme Court has tough questions over bribery prosecutions that could affect Chicago cases – Chicago Tribune, April 15, 2024
A government attorney faced tough questioning Monday from U.S. Supreme Court justices over concerns that the federal bribery statute often used to prosecute public officials, including a former Indiana mayor, is vague and potentially criminalizes innocuous gift-giving by people from all walks of life.
‘It’s complicated’: Why lobbyists think Bears could be back to Arlington if bid for lakefront stadium fails – Daily Herald, April 15, 2024
Amid the yearlong property tax dispute at Arlington Park, the Bears also face a series of legal, financial and political hurdles to building a new stadium on the Chicago lakefront, two lobbyists for three Arlington Heights-area school districts said.
Illinois’ tax system among nation’s most inequitable, new report finds – WBBM, April 16, 2024
Advocates for social programs have come out with a new report that found Illinois’ poorer residents are paying more than their fair share in taxes — and they’ve proposed changes that would generate over $1 billion for the state government.
New data shows nearly every Illinois county see a decrease in population from 2020-2023 – Springfield State Journal-Register, April 15, 2024
Illinois saw a decrease in new residents between July 2020 and July 2023, according to new estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. The Census Bureau recently released its vintage population totals nationwide.
Bill expanding emergency powers for Illinois state agency advances – The Center Square, April 15, 2024
A measure now in the Illinois House says the Illinois Emergency Management Agency would be able to do “all things necessary, incidental, or appropriate for the implementation” of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act.
Legislation designed to support local Illinois media advances – The Center Square, April 15, 2024
Legislation moving through the Illinois Statehouse aims to reverse the spread of news deserts in the state. A Local Journalism Task Force found that Illinois has lost 232 newspapers since 2005. The state has also lost 85% of its newspaper journalists, the highest percentage in the country.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s ‘pragmatic progressive’ approach being put to the test – Chicago Tribune, April 14, 2024
Shortly after wrapping up an inaugural legislative session in 2019 that included hiking the state’s minimum wage, legalizing cannabis and passing a historic $45 billion statewide construction program supported by expanded gambling and a host of increased taxes and fees, Gov. J.B. Pritzker sought to reassure a group of Chicago business leaders that he wasn’t just another tax-and-spend liberal.
Lockport Alderman To Take Ozinga’s Vacated Seat In State House – Patch, April 12, 2024
A Lockport alderman has been selected to fill the abruptly vacated seat of former State Rep. Tim Ozinga (R-Mokena). Lockport Alderman Patrick Sheehan was announced Friday as having been selected by the 37th Representative District Committee to fill the vacancy of State Rep. Tim Ozinga in the Illinois House of Representatives.
Illinois Senate passes bill creating Department of Early Childhood – WAND, April 12, 2024
Illinois is one step closer to creating a new state agency to oversee early childhood education programs. Senators and advocates say the Department of Early Childhood could provide a more integrated and holistic system of services for young children and families across the state.
Illinois Senate unanimously passes bills increasing food accessibility – WAND, April 12, 2024
he Illinois Senate approved a bill Friday to expand the state’s grocery initiative by providing grants for farmer-owned grocery stores and markets. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity currently provides grants to independently-owned grocery stores, co-ops and non-profit grocers.
Proposed legislation would increase threshold for farm estate taxes – The Center Square, April 12, 2024
There is a bipartisan effort in Illinois aimed at preserving family farms in the event of a family member’s death. The Family Farm Preservation Act in House Bill 4600 is designed to protect farm families and their land by updating the Illinois Estate Tax code to include protections in regards to inflation. Proponents say some families were forced to sell off some or all of the family farm to pay the estate tax, also called the “death tax.”
Supreme Court to hear arguments on bribery law that could shape political corruption probes in Illinois, including case against ex-Speaker Madigan – Chicago Tribune, April 12, 2024
Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was the state’s most powerful politician in 2018 when he allegedly met at his downtown Chicago law office with then-Ald. Danny Solis to discuss Solis’ appointment to a lucrative state board position.
Illinois Senate passes more than 200 bills during deadline week. Here are 4 key takeaways – The State Journal-Register, April 15, 2024
The Illinois Senate wrapped up a busy week in Springfield, advancing a total of 244 bills before a Friday deadline. From addressing the mishandling of human remains at a Carlinville funeral home to establishing a new state mushroom — the Calvatia gigantea or commonly known as the giant puffball — the bills now move to the House.
Memo to Jerry Reinsdorf: There’s ‘next to no appetite’ in Springfield to fund new stadium – Chicago Sun-Times, April 12, 2024
Chicago-area news outlets have been so intent on amplifying every possible angle on the proposals for new publicly financed sports stadiums that they’ve sometimes missed the bigger picture. Senate President Don Harmon last week tried to make it simple for everyone what that bigger picture is.
No cracks in Blue Wall? Top Democrats vow Chicago is ready for convention, despite party divisions – Chicago Sun Times, April 18, 2024
Top state Democratic Party leaders on Thursday vowed “Blue Wall” unity ahead of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago despite party fissures over the war in Gaza and the ongoing migrant crisis — and polls that show President Joe Biden still must gain ground to win key battleground states.
Chicago’s D.C. lobbyist departs, leaving office empty – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 18, 2024
Christopher Hoey, Chicago’s lobbyist in Washington, D.C., has departed, leaving the city’s post in the U.S. capital empty until the role is filled within the coming weeks. The mayor’s office told Crain’s the search is on for a new director of federal affairs, but the Johnson administration has not filled that position permanently for over a year now.
Could Chicago become the next backdrop for the iconic Sundance Film Festival? – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 18, 2024
As Chicago prepares for a weekend of Sundance events, the possibility of the famed indie film festival hosting its full program here could be a reality as the event nears the end of its contract in Utah.
Sterling Bay looks to sell more properties next to Lincoln Yards – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 18, 2024
While Sterling Bay continues its hunt for a financial partner to jump-start Lincoln Yards, the Chicago developer has put a trio of properties next to the stalled megaproject up for sale as it stares down an imminent deadline to pay off debt.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker says ‘evolution of the leadership’ needed at CTA – Chicago Tribune, April 19, 2024
Gov. J.B. Pritzker called for an “evolution of the leadership” at the CTA, as embattled agency President Dorval Carter has looked to Springfield for solutions to a looming budget crisis. Carter has found himself in the hot seat as the CTA struggled in recent years to provide frequent, reliable and safe service.
CTA touts ‘Second Chance’ program for ex-offenders, but few end up with permanent jobs – Chicago Sun Times, April 19, 2024
Celebrating the “Second Chance” program he helped create, CTA President Dorval Carter lauded it recently as a way to give “individuals with barriers to employment the opportunity to really turn their lives around and provide them with really good CTA, union-paying jobs.”
Vote on measure to allow ShotSpotter on per-ward basis postponed by progressive alderpeople, Chief Information Officer appointment hits snag with a surprise deferral – The Daily Line, April 18, 2024
The mayor’s pick to lead the reconstituted Department of Technology and Innovation and an order to keep gunshot detection technology in individual wards were both deferred during the City Council meeting Wednesday, delaying votes to Friday at the earliest.
Tim Ozinga Suffers Humiliating Defeat as Conservative Christina Clausen Dominates Will County GOP Chairman Race – Illinois Review, April 17, 2024
A little over a week after Tim Ozinga’s shock resignation from the Illinois House of Representatives, the landscape of the Illinois Republican Party underwent a dramatic transformation during Wednesday night’s Will County GOP Convention after Christina Clausen secured her position as the new chairwoman of the Will County Republican Central Committee, garnering an impressive 12,220 votes to her opponent’s 6,234 – leaving Ozinga and his allies in shock and disbelief.
$1.25B bond proposal passed by finance committee as second attempt to grant council greater fiscal oversight fails – The Daily Line, April 18, 2024
The City Council Committee on Finance reconvened its recessed meeting Wednesday morning and voted to recommend approval of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s $1.25 billion economic development and housing bond proposal, which was then deferred by the City Council later that day, postponing a final vote on the proposal until a special council meeting on Friday.
Chicago lobbyists escape serious punishment for improper donations to Mayor Johnson’s campaign – WBEZ, April 17, 2024
Chicago’s Board of Ethics this week says it can’t take more serious action against four lobbyists who improperly donated to Mayor Brandon Johnson’s political committee, saying it lacks the authority to enforce a decade-old executive order meant to curb such contributions.
Mayor Brandon Johnson slams uphill effort to recall Chicago mayors – Chicago Tribune, April 17, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson on Wednesday blasted a nascent effort to establish a legal tool for voters to recall Chicago mayors, calling it “disingenuous” and saying it is backed by “extreme right wing” political rivals.
Why using ticket sales tax on new stadiums is a no-go for Johnson – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 17, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson said today his office rejected a proposal to use the city’s revenue from a tax on ticket sales at stadiums to help build new homes for the Chicago White Sox and Bears because “we didn’t like the idea.”
Official who oversaw Little Village implosion gets City Council OK to head buildings department – Chicago Sun-Times, April 17, 2024
The Chicago City Council on Wednesday approved Mayor Brandon Johnson’s pick to run the city buildings department, Marlene Hopkins, who was found negligent for her role in overseeing the botched implosion of the former Crawford coal-fired power plant that covered Little Village in dust four years ago.
Who Decides Which Chicago Sidewalks Get Repaired? Patchwork of Programs Creates Geographical Disparities, Rewards Most Complaints – WTTW, April 17, 2024
Like many Chicago residents, Adam Ballard enjoys the convenience his neighborhood provides. He’s able to catch a movie or watch the Chicago Fire play just a short distance from where he lives.
City Of Chicago Selected To Participate in CityStart Initiative Focused On Equitable Wealth-Building Strategies – Chicago Office of the Mayor, April 16, 2024
Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson, along with the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund) announced that the City of Chicago has been selected to participate in the CityStart initiative with a specific focus on racial wealth equity. The CityStart initiative works closely with local leaders to develop and implement proven strategies aimed at helping families and communities become more financially stable.
Aldermen fighting gun violence deem ShotSpotter an ‘invaluable tool’ as council to consider bucking Johnson on the technology – Chicago Tribune, April 16, 2024
Despite Mayor Brandon Johnson’s plan to rid Chicago of ShotSpotter, nearly all aldermen representing the neighborhoods where people are most likely to be shot still want the controversial gunshot detection system to stay in their wards.
Lawsuit alleging rampant racism at Chicago Water Department cleared for trial – Chicago Tribune, April 16, 2024
A federal judge has cleared the way for a high-profile trial this summer over allegations that Black employees at the Chicago Department of Water Management were subjected to years of racist and sexist slurs, including some by politically connected top-level supervisors.
Zoning committee approves appointment of new Department of Buildings commissioner as her role in Little Village smokestack demolition goes unmentioned – The Daily Line, April 17, 2024
The City Council Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards approved the appointment of a new buildings department commissioner Tuesday without asking any questions about her role overseeing a demolition that went wrong.
New leader of Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow PUSH steps down less than 3 months on the job – Chicago Tribune, April 16, 2024
A Dallas pastor who took over leadership of the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s longtime civil rights organization resigned Tuesday just months after he took the job. The Rev. Frederick Haynes III told The Associated Press that he submitted a letter with his resignation as head of the Chicago-based Rainbow PUSH Coalition, effective immediately.
Johnson extends olive branch to Jewish community amid Gaza protests – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 15, 2024
As an Iranian missile attack on Israel over the weekend threatened to expand the war in Gaza into a wider conflict across the Middle East, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson made an attempt to repair his administration’s frayed relationship with some leaders in the Jewish community.
Finance committee postpones vote on mayoral bond proposal as alderpeople seek to lower bond cap – The Daily Line, April 16, 2024
The City Council Committee on Finance postponed a vote on Mayor Brandon Johnson’s $1.25 billion Housing and Economic Development Bond proposal after more than a dozen alderpeople expressed interest in significantly reducing the bond authorization amount and lowering the threshold to require aldermanic approval for bond-financed projects.
Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin Fined $60K for Violating Ethics Ordinance –WTTW, April 15, 2024
The Chicago Board of Ethics fined City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin $60,000 for violating the government ethics ordinance by using city resources to host a prayer service.
54 arrested after protest blocks I-190 near Chicago O’Hare Airport, Loop march stops traffic –ABC 7 Chicago, April 15, 2024
Dozens were arrested Monday after pro-Palestinian protesters blocked the roadway entering into Terminal 1 at O’Hare Airport and later halted traffic downtown. Friends and supporters waited outside Area Five police headquarters later Monday for the 40 people arrested to be released.
Chicago’s watchdog moves to fire police supervisor who lied about sex assault probe of fellow cop – Chicago Sun-Times, April 15, 2024
Chicago’s top watchdog revealed Monday that she pushed to fire a police supervisor accused of lying to her office about a botched investigation into allegations of sexual assault against a fellow cop.
Law enforcement officials planning designated demonstration areas near DNC as organizers pledge to march ‘with or without’ permits – The Daily Line, April 15, 2024
Officials are planning to designate some space within the security footprint of the Democratic National Convention for planned protests, and though permits from several groups seeking to protest near the convention have not been approved, law enforcement told a City Council panel that peaceful protests will be allowed regardless.
Three Jewish lawmakers reject Mayor Johnson’s invite to discuss antisemitism – Chicago Sun-Times, April 12, 2024
At least three Jewish lawmakers and several Jewish organizations are declining Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s invitation for a Monday roundtable to discuss antisemitism over what they describe as “disrespect and lack of concern for the Jewish community.”
Hundreds gather to remember Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough: ‘Compassionate, determined, undaunted’ – Chicago Tribune, April 14, 2024
A collection of politicians, community activists, family, friends and co-workers filled a majestic University of Chicago chapel Sunday to say goodbye to the late Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough and remember her trailblazing spirit.
Democrats descend on Chicago as specter of ‘68 convention looms – Politico, April 15, 2024
Democrats from across the country are converging in Chicago this week to lay the groundwork for their upcoming convention, where they will nominate President Joe Biden and hope to avoid the kind of unrest that made this city notorious in the annals of political history.
