Last week was relatively quiet, with the House off from session. However, the Senate convened, where they moved a variety of bills from second to third reading, and considered legislation that received a committee deadline extension.
The Senate Transportation Committee held a subject matter hearing on the impending $771 million “transit fiscal cliff” in 2026. Chair Ram Villivalam reaffirmed that no additional state funding would be coming without meaningful reforms, asking transit officials to submit a centralized governance structure. Senators also asked for a definitive safety plan and operational improvements, with Sen. Celina Villanueva requesting accountability rather than executive bonuses and inflated salaries. CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen hailed a new “Frequent Network” to increase bus wait times, but legislators emphasized that much-needed work lies before any funding decisions are made. Legislators need a plan to address the transit fiscal cliff as a part of their FY 2026 budget process before the end of May. Transit agency reforms could be pushed to veto session in the fall before the funding deficit begins on January 1, 2026. The State of Illinois, City of Chicago, Cook County, and the Collar Counties will likely split the cost of closing the deficit. In FY 2026, the cost is only around $385 million (half of the $771 million full-year deficit). However, without significant agency reform, the deficit would increase to the full $771 million in FY 2027.
Democrats dominated Illinois’ consolidated elections on Tuesday, April 1, winning an estimated 75% of the 270 contested races. They performed especially well in suburban counties such as DuPage County, where they achieved historic gains. One of the most prominent races was the race for Mayor of Aurora, a technically non-partisan election, where Democrat-backed John Laesch defeated incumbent Mayor and former Republican candidate for Illinois Governor, Richard Irvin. Democratic victories in Quincy, Rock Island, and Springfield’s Capital Township were the other significant victories. Republicans also had some significant victories, most notably Tinley Park Mayor Mike Glotz defeating a Democratic-backed opponent and former GOP state Rep. Dan Brady winning the mayorship of Bloomington.
Both the House and Senate will return to Springfield this week ahead of the April 11 third reading deadline.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
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
Senate education committee approves bills to limit expulsions for young students, prohibit student ticketing – The Daily Line, April 3, 2025.
The Senate Education Committee approved measures Wednesday to limit suspensions and ban expulsions for preschool to second graders and prohibit student ticketing.
House election committee hears measures to simplify mail-in voting application, decrease election judge’s minimum – The Daily Line, April 3, 2025.
The House Ethics and Elections Committee heard testimony Wednesday on measures to increase awareness of curbside voting, simplify the permanent mail-in voting process, and decrease the number of required election judges at voting precincts.
Chicago-area transit leaders discuss spending plan with Senate Transportation Committee – The Daily Line, April 4, 2025.
As the Illinois General Assembly looks for a possible funding solution for a $771 million fiscal cliff Chicago-area transit is facing, the Senate Executive Committee heard from transit leaders Wednesday on how a bailout would be spent.
Pritzker sees tariff troubles – Politico, April 3, 2025.
President Donald Trump kept his promise Wednesday to enact sweeping tariffs with the goal of helping the economy grow.
In Mexico, Gov. JB Pritzker positions Illinois as a ‘stable and reliable trade partner’ amid Trump tariffs – Chicago Tribune, April 2, 2025.
Gov. JB Pritzker on Wednesday said his trade mission to Mexico this week was an opportunity to cast Illinois as “a stable and reliable trade partner” at a time of economic uncertainty as President Donald Trump places tariffs on goods from the southern border nation, Canada and other countries around the world.
Illinois GOP suffered major election losses in suburbs that are critical for its rebuilding effort – Chicago Tribune, April 3, 2025.
Two days before Tuesday’s local elections, the Illinois Republican Party sent out an email to supporters declaring it to be “a do or die moment for us.”
Springfield becoming a hub for distribution centers. What’s behind the recent surge – The State Journal-Register, April 3, 2025.
Illinois is pushing to lead the Midwest in business, and Springfield is becoming a prime real estate for companies that need to expand.
Crime Stoppers seeking tips on Wyndham vandalism; hotel expected to be closed for 90 days – WCIA News, April 2, 2025.
Crime Stoppers is asking the public for help in solving a criminal damage case at a downtown Springfield hotel.
Pritzker says DPI won almost 80 percent of its 270 targeted local races (Updated) – Capitol Fax, April 2, 2025.
The Democratic Party of Illinois focused on about 270 races and won almost 80 percent of those races. And those were the critical ones.
Indiana lawmakers amend Indiana-Illinois border bill to add Indiana commissioner, shift quorum – Chicago Tribune, April 2, 2025
Indiana legislators are seemingly preparing to review the Indiana-Illinois border without its neighboring state.
Results for Illinois Races in April 1 election – WGN9, April 1, 2025.
On Tuesday, April 1, voters in many Chicago suburbs will head to the polls for several mayoral and village president races. Among some of the closely watched races are Mayor of Aurora, Arlington Heights President and the Mayor of Evanston. WGN News will bring you election results and coverage Tuesday night.
State Sen. Napoleon Harris leading in race for Thornton Township supervisor – Chicago Tribune, April 1, 2025.
State Sen. Napoleon Harris and members of his Democratic slate were far ahead of other candidates seeking positions on the Thornton Township Board, according to unofficial results Tuesday from the Cook County clerk’s office. With 102 of 104 precincts reporting, Harris had 74%, followed by Independent candidate Nate Fields with 10.8%, Republican Richard Nolan with 10.4%, and Harvey Mayor Christopher Clark with 4.6%.
Illinois Farmers Union takes priorities to Springfield – Brownfield News, April 1, 2025.
The engagement consultant for Illinois Farmers Union (IFU) says the organization is pushing its priorities to state lawmakers. Cheyanne Bristol says recent visits to Springfield have been highlighted by discussions on the need for strong conservation programs. “In our meeting with Representative Harper, who is the Chair of the Agriculture Committee, we had talked about good stewardship of the land.” She says, “We believe in climate-smart practices, and of course she was very for that.”
Sentencing dates set for ComEd officials convicted of plot to influence Madigan – Chicago Sun Times, April 1, 2025.
Summer sentencing dates have been scheduled for four former ComEd officials and lobbyists convicted of conspiring to illegally influence former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan. A federal jury in May 2023 convicted Madigan ally Michael McClain, former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore, ex-ComEd lobbyist John Hooker and onetime City Club President Jay Doherty for the nearly decadelong plot.
Pritzker signs trade agreement between Illinois and Mexico – Illinois News, April 1, 2025.
Governor JB Pritzker signed a memorandum of understanding between Mexico and Illinois on Monday during a trade mission. Pritzker signed the Addendum to the Illinois-Mexico Sister-State Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) alongside Mexico Governor Delfina Gómez Álvarez. The agreement signed by Pritzker affirms commitment to continued trade and manufacturing collaborations with a focus on biotechnology and water resources.
Illinois bill could allow first time weapon offenders to apply for FOID cards while participating in diversion programs – Wand News, April 1, 2025.
A plan in Springfield could allow anyone charged with their first weapon-related offense to apply for a FOID card while they participate in a pretrial diversion program. “Under current law, nonviolent offenders charged with their first offense may be diverted to a divergence program such as the First Time Weapons Offense Program,” said Rep. Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago). “Upon completion, the state’s attorney dismisses the charges. However, the individual cannot apply for a FOID card until after the charges are dismissed.”
Springfield alderwoman has a new gig: lobbying for Chicago mayor – The State Journal-Register, April 1, 2025.
A Springfield alderwoman confirmed that she will help lobby for the city of Chicago on a contractual basis.
Opinion: Jim Dey | Beleaguered Durbin loves job, must decide whether to keep it – The News-Gazette, April 1, 2025.
Poor U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin — the vultures are circling. For starters, there’s Father Time. Still undefeated, this ravenous super senior is swinging his scythe closer and closer to the octogenarian Democrat from Springfield.
RTA Chairman Kirk Dillard on Avoiding the Transit Fiscal Cliff – WGN News, March 31, 2025.
RTA Chairman Kirk Dillard joins WGN-TV Political Report to talk about the impending transit fiscal cliff and reform efforts in Springfield.
Opinion: JB Pritzker thinks voters want a fighter. Can he be that guy? – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 31, 2025.
President Donald Trump has not yet completed 100 days in office, but for Democratic governors, the shadow primary for 2028 is underway as they test messages and search for ways to flip the script from the defeatism of their party in Congress.
Illinois governor moves to slash cover crop funds despite rising demand – Investigate Midwest, March 26, 2025.
Illinois’ only cover crop incentive program could lose nearly a third of its funding under Gov. JB Pritzker’s proposed state budget. A bill to increase funding missed Friday’s committee deadline. Farmers and environmental advocates warn conservation efforts could stall without it.
Sen. Dick Durbin weeks away from announcing if he’ll run for reelection – ABC 7 Chicago, March 28, 2025.
Sen. Dick Durbin says he is just weeks away from announcing plans for his political future.
And that decision will have seismic implications across the political landscape in Illinois.
Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan requests acquittal or new trial in corruption case – ABC 7 Chicago, March 28, 2025.
Lawyers for former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan are asking for an acquittal or a new trial in his corruption case.
One Fair Wage: National advocates, Illinois restaurants battle over bill eliminating tip credit – Wand News, March 28, 2025.
Some Illinois Democrats are renewing their push to eliminate the state’s tip credit to help tipped workers receive a fair wage. Advocates are calling for a new tax credit worth $1.50 per hour per employee for owners who do not take the tip credit before it is eliminated in 2027.
Damage to Wyndham hotel forces closure – NPR Illinois, March 28, 2025.
Damage to the Wyndham Hotel in downtown Springfield is being investigated as intentional and vandalism. The Springfield Fire Department was alerted Thursday to an alarm at the 30-story hotel and found flooding and elevator system damage.
Illinois’ rainy-day fund, emergency reserves lowest in country – The Center Square, March 29, 2025.
With barely two weeks of reserves in its rainy day fund, new data from Pew Research shows Illinois now ranks last among all 50 states in its ability to withstand a financial crisis.
Illinois state Rep. Dan Ugaste, R-Geneva, wonders when state lawmakers will get out of their own way when it comes to fiscally steering the state in the right direction.
Opinion: Jim Dey | State senator taking former opponents to court – The News-Gazette, March 31, 2025.
State Sen. Michael Hastings, a Democrat from Frankfort, won his last two elections. Now he’s filed lawsuits against defeated Republicans that charge they led a “smear campaign” against him.
Greg Hinz: Yes, Illinois’ economy is lagging. So what do we do about it? – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 31, 2025.
The report on the state of Illinois’ economy was beyond downbeat. Prepared for the Legislature by Moody’s Analytics last month, it laid out in excruciating detail how growth in Illinois as a whole and particularly metro Chicago is lagging not only the nation — as it has for many years — but the rest of the Midwest since the pandemic, with jobs, gross product, the unemployment rate, average hourly wage and more trailing and projected to remain soft for much of the rest of the decade.
CTU President Stacy Davis Gates denies union power play caused rift with SEIU – Chicago Sun Times, April 3, 2025.
Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates said Thursday her failed attempt to have CTU-represented teachers’ assistants perform work done by SEIU Local 73 members was about improving outcomes for special education children — not a union power play.
Biggest Chicago law firms silent in face of Trump attacks – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 4, 2025.
The biggest law firms in Chicago will not talk about how they would respond if confronted with an executive order from President Donald Trump targeting their operations.
These Chicago stocks took the worst shellacking on post-tariff day – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 3, 2025.
Chicago’s largest public companies are down nearly $50 billion in collective market value after an absolutely brutal day of trading in the wake of President Donald Trump’s promised tariff fight with the world.
Progressive Caucus leaders turn up the volume on their beef with Johnson – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 3, 2025.
Disappointed with the response to their concern that Mayor Brandon Johnson was seeking to oust them from his City Council leadership team, three leaders of the Progressive Caucus are amplifying their criticism of the Fifth Floor.
City releases draft electric vehicle infrastructure plan, seeks public feedback – The Daily Line, April 4, 2025.
The mayor’s office and Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) are asking for public feedback on an electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure framework plan they released this week. The Chicago Moves Electric Framework Plan aims to increase the availability of EV charging infrastructure and e-mobility services like e-bikes and e-scooters and reduce emissions from vehicles on the road, according to a news release.
Mayor Johnson appoints Anthony Quezada as 35th Ward alderman – WGN, April 3, 2025.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson appointed an acting Cook County commissioner to be the new 35th Ward alderman.
Who came out ahead in hard-fought CPS-CTU contract battle? – Chicago Sun Times, April 2, 2025.
Mayor Brandon Johnson has a long way to go to realize his dream of becoming Chicago’s longest-serving mayor.
City announces hundreds of vacant lots for sale and redevelopment – The Daily Line, April 3, 2025.
The city announced Tuesday it had made more than 400 vacant parcels available for sale and redevelopment, including lots that are meant for Missing Middle housing on the Far South Side, a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) site that would be turned into mixed-income housing in Lake View and industrial lots that could become mixed-use sites in Armour Square and New City, according to the mayor’s office.
Talk of a leadership shake-up opens a rift between key progressives and Johnson – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 2, 2025.
An alleged City Council leadership shake-up that may have never gone beyond a spitballing session has nonetheless caused strain between Mayor Brandon Johnson and the leaders of the Progressive Caucus.
Chicago DOJ jobs could be at stake in push to consolidate antitrust operations – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 2, 2025.
Top officials in the Justice Department’s antitrust division are trying to blunt an agency-wide reorganization plan from derailing major competition cases, according to people familiar with the matter.
Chicago housing’s long-term growth picture: Crain’s Daily Gist podcast – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 3, 2025.
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about the local housing market, including a report that shows how home prices here have changed in 25 years.
As environmental justice ordinance nears City Council introduction, activists express hopes and frustrations – Chicago Tribune, April 3, 2025.
More than a year after its planned introduction, an environmental ordinance that aims to address decades of discriminatory planning, zoning and land-use policies in Chicago will finally be brought before the City Council.
Microsoft pulls back on data centers from Chicago to Jakarta – Crain’s Chicago Business, April 3, 2025.
Microsoft Corp. has pulled back on data center projects around the world, suggesting the company is taking a harder look at its plans to build the server farms powering artificial intelligence and the cloud.
Debate resumes over 8 p.m. curfew for teens downtown after boy is shot during ‘teen takeover’ in Streeterville – Chicago Tribune, April 2, 2025.
Residents, including a Streeterville neighborhood group, are now calling on Mayor Brandon Johnson to stop the “reckless and unlawful behavior.” A downtown alderman has also promised to revive a stalled City Council bid to install an 8 p.m. unaccompanied minor curfew.
Mayor, budget director say city can weather lack of MEABF payment but tout city, CPS disentanglement – The Daily Line, April 2, 2025.
Despite the city not receiving a $175 million reimbursement from Chicago Public Schools (CPS) for a portion of its non-teacher pension fund, the mayor and his budget team weren’t sweating the lack of those funds Tuesday. The city had been waiting on the school district to make the payment by the end of March to avoid a year-end deficit of budgeted revenue for Fiscal Year 2024, but the Chicago Board of Education removed a vote that would have authorized the payment at its meeting almost two weeks ago.
City launches late fee, penalty forgiveness programs for vehicle and business owners who pay off old tickets – The Daily Line, April 2, 2025.
The city launched new debt relief initiatives Tuesday that will allow many vehicle owners and businesses to pay off ticket debt without having to worry about late fees or other penalties. Chicago drivers and business owners who received tickets with a notice of final determination on or before Dec. 31, 2023, are eligible for the Vehicle Violation Debt Relief Program and the Commercial Driveway and Signs Violation Debt Relief Program, the administration said. Debt holders must pay their base balances in full by June 30 to have all other fees and penalties waived.
Environment committee to hold hearing on environmental inspection and enforcement efforts – The Daily Line, April 1, 2025.
The City Council Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy will meet Wednesday to hold a hearing on environmental regulation enforcement and to set up a future hearing on single-use plastics. The committee will meet at 10 a.m. in council chambers.
Lawsuit claims Chicago approval for cannabis store in Streeterville was illegal – Chicago Tribune, April 1, 2025.
A lawsuit is challenging the city of Chicago’s approval of a proposed cannabis dispensary in the Streeterville neighborhood, objecting that the store would be too close to a nearby school.
Richard Irvin concedes defeat to John Laesch in Aurora mayoral race– The Beacon News, April 2, 2025.
Incumbent Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin has admitted defeat to his challenger, Ald. John Laesch, in the Aurora mayoral election. As of 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, Laesch had 52.32% of the vote while Irvin had 47.68% of the vote, according to unofficial voting results from DuPage, Kendall, Kane and Will counties, with all precincts reporting.
Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau concedes defeat in bid for third term– Chicago Tribune, April 1, 2025.
Keith Pekau conceded defeat Tuesday evening in his bid for a third term as Orland Park mayor, with challenger Jim Dodge ahead with nearly all precincts reporting. Pekau thanked supporters gathered at Papa Joe’s restaurant, telling them, “I got shellacked” but that “we ran a great campaign.” He said he texted congratulations to Dodge. With 44 of 45 precincts reporting, Dodge had 57% of the vote to 43% for Pekau, unofficial results show.
Incumbent Vicki Scaman claims victory in contentious Oak Park village president race – Chicago Tribune, April 1, 2025.
After what was an unusually contentious and at times personal battle, incumbent Oak Park Village President Vicki Scaman appeared to win a convincing victory over challenger Ravi Parakkat, a member of the Village Board, according to preliminary results from Tuesday’s municipal elections.
Evanston voters re-elect Daniel Biss as mayor, per unofficial results– Chicago Tribune, April 1, 2025.
Evanston voters appear to want to keep the momentum going on a number of issues in the city, including Ryan Field, reparations, Envision Evanston and others, by retaining the incumbent mayor, unofficial Cook County Clerk’s office election results show.
Cunningham declares victory in campaign to return as Waukegan mayor; ‘I want to continue with the plans we started’– Chicago Tribune, April 2, 2025.
Former Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham, the city’s first Black chief executive, declared victory Tuesday night in his bid to regain the office he lost four years ago, thus extending the city’s 28-year string of one-term mayors.
Quezada, Tobon considered in selection process to appoint next 35th Ward alderperson as four other applicants disqualified – The Daily Line, March 31, 2025.
More than a week after applications closed to fill the forthcoming 35th Ward vacancy on the City Council, the city disclosed the names of six people who applied to fill the seat but said only two applications were valid.
Chicago Teachers Union reaches tentative contract deal – CBS News, March 31, 2025.
The union’s Big Bargaining Team voted in favor of the deal with the Chicago Public Schools, which now must be voted upon by the CTU House of Delegates.
Mayor Brandon Johnson adds Springfield alderwoman to lobbying team – Chicago Tribune, March 28, 2025.
Weeks after tapping a former Chicago alderman to help lobby for the city in the state capitol, Mayor Brandon Johnson is adding a Springfield alderwoman to his once-skeletal state team. Johnson’s office confirmed Thursday it intends to hire Lakeisha Purchase, a current Springfield alderwoman and registered state lobbyist, on a contract basis, saying she came “highly recommended from lawmakers in Springfield.”
Quezada, Tobon considered in selection process to appoint next 35th Ward alderperson as four other applicants disqualified – The Daily Line, March 31, 2025.
More than a week after applications closed to fill the forthcoming 35th Ward vacancy on the City Council, the city disclosed the names of six people who applied to fill the seat but said only two applications were valid.
City’s public health department says federal grant rescissions hurt ability to fight, prevent infectious disease outbreaks – The Daily Line, March 31, 2025.
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) learned last week that the federal government had cut $125 million in COVID-19 pandemic-era grants, imperiling infectious disease prevention work by the city’s public health department.
Feud between CTU, SEIU threatens Mayor Johnson’s political future – Chicago Sun Times, March 28, 2025.
A key political player is missing from a weekend birthday fundraiser that could serve as an unofficial launch for Mayor Brandon Johnson’s re-election campaign. The host committee for the Fulton Market fundraiser does not include the Service Employees International Union or any of its affiliated unions. That’s a potent signal that the union helping bankroll and staff Johnson’s 2023 mayoral campaign is disenchanted with the embattled mayor and may not support him for a second term.
Sterling Bay surrendering part of Lincoln Yards to lender – Crain’s Chicago Business, March 28, 2025.
Sterling Bay is surrendering a swath of land at its planned Lincoln Yards campus to its lender, a setback for the Chicago real estate firm’s stalled $6 billion North Side development that stands to substantially weaken its grip on the megaproject.
Transit Workers Raise Awareness of Looming $770M Budget Gap for Chicago-Area Public Transit Systems – WTTW, March 26, 2025.
Evanston resident Teresa Faceson, 63, doesn’t own a car and relies on the public transportation system to get to her job in Hyde Park, working as a home health care worker. With a looming $770 million budget gap facing the region’s public transportation systems, Faceson said service cuts would impact school children and the elderly who use public transit to pick up medication.
