NOTE: We will not create a weekly report on Monday, August 12.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s long-term goal of making Illinois the “undisputed leader of quantum computing” became a reality on July 25 as PsiQuantum and the state jointly announced the construction of a quantum computing campus in Chicago. PsiQuantum, a California-based quantum startup, will become the anchor tenant of the South Works campus being built at the old U.S. Steel production plant on Chicago’s Southeast Side lakefront. The campus will encompass multiple buildings and the world’s first commercially useful, utility-scale quantum computer. Quantum computers, which rely on quantum mechanics principles, can perform complex calculations and operations at unprecedented speeds compared to present day computing technology. Other companies, such as IBM and Google, have already constructed proof-of-concept quantum computers. However, a fully reliable, fault-tolerant computer has yet to be built.
The South Works site was chosen for both its proximity to water and electric resources necessary to operate a quantum computer, as well as its symbolic history. The former steel mill used to exemplify the economic prowess of the Rust Belt and American innovation. “U.S. Steel is a symbol of American dynamism. The history of Illinois is not lost on [PsiQuantum],” noted PsiQuantum co-founder Pete Shadbolt. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson hopes that constructing the campus in the same location as the former steel mill will allow South Works to regain its place atop the industrial meccas of the United States and bring new development to an area of Chicago that has struggled to find its footing ever since heavy industry left. PsiQuantum estimates the campus will be fully constructed in 2027. The South Works facility is expected to bring in around $20B in investment from both the public and private sectors and could potentially create thousands of jobs over the next decade. This development occurring in Illinois could position the state to become a leader in quantum computing for years to come.
Illinois’ FY 2025 budget (SB 251) allocated $500M to fund a quantum research and application campus. The state plans to spend $300M of that funding on the South Works campus, with $200M of the South Works funding going to a cryogenic plant to serve the cooling needs of PsiQuantum and other potential quantum developers. Additionally, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) awarded PsiQuantum a $92M Manufacturing Illinois Chips for Real Opportunity (MICRO) income tax credit for the estimated 154 newly created jobs. The campus could also be eligible for the state’s new enterprise zone tax incentive for quantum computing development, which was recently passed in the DCEO Omnibus (HB 5005). The enterprise zone would include a 20% tax credit for all construction, full-time, and part-time employees, and exempt qualified tangible personal property expenses from the 6.25% state sales tax, Chicago Non-Titled Use Tax, all locally imposed Retailers’ Occupation Tax, and Public Utilities Act Fees. In addition to the state resources, Chicago’s Housing and Economic Development Board and Cook County each pledged $5M to the project.
The Cook County Board of Commissioners is making efforts to certify the campus as a Class 8 property, enabling the site to receive a lower property tax assessment value. The Class 8 certification is designed to promote industrial and commercial development in areas experiencing severe economic stagnation. It would cut the normal industrial property tax assessment from 25% of market value to 10% for 30 years, potentially saving $175M in property tax payments. Despite the potential incentive, the campus is still expected to generate an estimated $100M in new property tax revenue over the next 30 years. The combined incentive package from the state, Chicago, and Cook County is estimated to be worth more than $500M, according to a PsiQuantum press release.
In addition to state and local funding, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), a subsidiary of the U.S. Department of Defense responsible for technological development, has pledged up to $140M to fund proposals from other quantum companies locating on the South Works campus. Illinois plans to match the $140M DARPA investment through the FY 2025 quantum budget allocation. In exchange for this historic investment across multiple levels of government, PsiQuantum is investing at least $1B into the South Works project. The public funding and tax incentives are warranted, given that the quantum campus is estimated to have a $60B impact on regional GDP over the next decade.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
November 5 – 2024 General Election
November 12-14 – Veto Session Week 1
November 19-21 – Veto Session Week 2
In the News
Pritzker wants Fed to lower interest rates amid layoffs at Illinois companies – The Daily Line, August 2, 2024
Workers at multiple Illinois manufacturing facilities have faced layoffs in recent months and Gov. JB Pritzker is calling on the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates to help businesses facing new economic struggles.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker interviewed twice for Kamala Harris VP slot, source says – Chicago Tribune, August 1, 2024
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker was interviewed twice this week by Vice President Kamala Harris’ vetting team as she nears an announcement on a running mate for her nascent presidential campaign, according to a source familiar with the conversations.
Pat Quinn shares details on the Illinois Property Tax Relief Amendment Referendum – WGN Radio, August 1, 2024
Illinoisans pay the second-highest property taxes in the nation. Former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn joins Lisa Dent to stress the importance of the the taxpayer campaign for the Illinois Property Tax Relief Amendment Referendum which will be on the statewide ballot on November 5.
Illinois ranks last at keeping rich people from moving out – Crain’s Chicago Business, August 2, 2024
For every high-income earner who moves into Illinois, two leave, according to a new study of data from the Internal Revenue Service.
Changing population is changing the political landscape in Illinois – Northern Public Radio, August 1, 2024
Illinois politics can be difficult to understand. From a perceived culture of pervasive political corruption to the rise of billionaire backers, shifting regional alliances, and the continued control of the so-called Four Tops — the legislative leaders in the General Assembly — it’s a confusing landscape.
Eye On Illinois: Election math shows GOP still has big hill to climb to flip General Assembly – Shaw Local, August 1, 2024
It’s the first day of August. The November election is about 14 weeks away, and in addition to the usual state fair campaign buzz, this month also brings a national political convention to Chicago.
New IL law bans captive audience meetings, protects worker freedom of speech – WAND, July 31, 2024
Gov. JB Pritzker signed a plan into law Wednesday to protect workers from having to hear or read political and religious information unrelated to their jobs. The law will crack down on employers forcing their workers to listen to their views during work time.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs measure tightening child labor regulations – Chicago Tribune, July 30, 2024
Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday signed into law a measure that updates Illinois’ child labor regulations by setting additional standards for working conditions for children 15 or younger and updating a list of jobs that minors cannot hold.
Pritzker joins ‘White Dudes for Harris’ fund-raising kickoff – Crain’s Chicago Business, July 30, 2024
Democrats Pete Buttigieg and JB Pritzker joined actors Jeff Bridges, Mark Ruffalo and about 200,000 others to kick off campaign fund-raising efforts by a new group Monday: White Dudes for Harris.
DPI rolling out campaign plan to focus on down-ballot races – Capitol Fax, July 30, 2024
The party will announce the Organize Illinois 2024 campaign on Tuesday as the Democratic Party of Illinois’ (DPI) plan for winning races in Congress, the General Assembly and local government in November. The party has their eyes set on expanding the record-sized super majority in the state legislature as well as protecting Democrat-held congressional seats in addition to putting more resources into campaigns for local offices.
Deere adds nearly 300 HQ staff to mounting layoffs – Crain’s Chicago Business, July 30, 2024
Layoffs at farm equipment maker Deere are now hitting its headquarters staff.
Illinois State Legislators Introduced Three Violence Prevention Bills. Why Didn’t They Vote on Them? – The Trace, July 30, 2024
The legislation would speed up the process of removing firearms from alleged abusers, allow families to have cold homicide cases reinvestigated, and hold police accountable for sharing more data.
Illinois Democrats launch campaign strategy to win down-ballot races at all levels of government – The Daily Line, July 30, 2024
The Democratic Party of Illinois will launch their 2024 campaign plan on Tuesday that focuses on winning down-ballot races at all levels of government as part of the party’s growing efforts to expand victories to local offices.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker says it would be ‘near impossible’ to get Bears stadium deal done this fall – Chicago Tribune, July 30, 2024
Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Monday said there is almost no chance that a deal will get done this year on a taxpayer-funded stadium for the Chicago Bears, especially since the team has yet to make a proposal that the governor thinks would be acceptable to lawmakers.
Former Congressman Rodney Davis to head government affairs for U.S. Chamber – The Pantagraph, July 29, 2024
Former Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis has been appointed head of government affairs for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
GOP candidate McGraw named a ‘young gun’ while Rep. Sorensen shows fundraising lead – WGLT, July 29, 2024
Joe McGraw will be getting extra help from national Republicans heading into the fall as he looks to unseat Democrat Eric Sorensen in the 17th Congressional District.
Feds swat argument that Supreme Court saves Madigan: ‘This dog will not hunt’ – Chicago Sun-Times, July 29, 2024
Prosecutors are trying to fend off potential damage from the high court’s recent decision that a bribery statute does not also criminalize after-the-fact rewards known as “gratuities.”
The hope, worry and surreal that Illinois Black women Democratic delegates see in Kamala Harris’ moment – Chicago Sun Times, July 26, 2024
From reminders of the hurdles they’ve had to overcome to confidence in Harris’ ability to lead, these delegates describe what the vice president’s nomination means to them.
Gov. Pritzker’s approval of Karina’s Bill held up by money, police staffing issues – Chicago Sun Times, July 26, 2024
Taking away guns from people served with domestic violence orders of protection would be a lot of work. “There aren’t enough sworn officers to carry out what’s being asked here,” Pritzker said.
Opinion: Is GOP “Blowing” Best Shot at Congressional Pickup? – The Illinoize, July 28, 2024
Multiple Republican insiders say they’re concerned the GOP is squandering its chance to pick up the state’s only competitive congressional seat in November.
Assessor floats ‘circuit breaker’ approach to mitigating burdensome tax bill spikes on homeowners, other reforms – The Daily Line, August 2, 2024
Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi discussed rising tax bills for homeowners when he faced questions from the County Board of Commissioners for the second time in a week on Monday. While he faced questions last Monday about how his office has addressed the “apartment loophole” at a county legislation committee meeting, this past week he addressed how the government could alleviate the burden of higher property tax bills for homeowners.
DNC to deploy social media content creators as media members – The Daily Line, August 2, 2024
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) will use 200 influencers to share the convention’s message by giving the social media personalities access equal to traditional journalists.
Racing the clock, Johnson speeds up spending of federal pandemic funds – Chicago Sun-Times, August 1, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson has been racing to beat a Dec. 31 deadline to allocate $1.88 billion in pandemic relief funds — and spend it all by 2026 — to avoid losing the federal money.
Plans for outside police officers to assist Chicago cops at DNC still fluid as convention month arrives – Chicago Tribune, August 2, 2024
Hundreds of extra law enforcement officers from across Illinois will be in Chicago later this month to assist the Chicago Police Department during the four days of the Democratic National Convention. But with the gathering less than three weeks away, it’s still not known which police departments will be sending personnel to Chicago or how many officers they will provide.
Loop office-to-residential conversion at risk as distressed tower hits the market – Crain’s Chicago Business, August 1, 2024
A Loop office building slated to be turned into apartments through a city program to revitalize downtown has gone up for sale, an apparent setback for a pair of local developers aiming to transform the distressed property.
Donald Trump questions Kamala Harris’ ethnic identity at Black media event in Chicago – Crain’s Chicago Business, July 31, 2024
Republican nominee Donald Trump questioned Vice President Kamala Harris’ racial identity at a contentious roundtable with Black journalists, fumbling an attempt to reach out to voters of color.
Johnson condemns Trump’s jabs at Harris during Black journalists convention – Crain’s Chicago Business, July 31, 2024
Hours after former President Donald Trump walked off the stage at the national convention for Black journalists where he questioned the racial identity of Vice President Kamala Harris, Mayor Brandon Johnson addressed the same audience to criticize the Republican presidential nominee.
Johnson angling for August vote on controversial zoning chair nominee – Crain’s Chicago Business, July 31, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson is pushing the City Council to break its traditional August recess in order to install a combative ally as chair of the Zoning Committee.
Johnson appoints new head of Chicago Public Building Commission – The Daily Line, August 1, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson on Wednesday announced the appointment of Ray Giderof to serve as the next executive director of the Public Building Commission (PBC). Giderof had been serving as the PBC’s acting director before being tapped for the permanent position.
News in brief: Chicago gets bond ratings upgrade; Trump speaks about police immunity in wake of Massey killing – The Daily Line, August 1, 2024
The city received a bond ratings upgrade, and Republican presidential contender Donald Trump traveled to Chicago Wednesday to speak to a conference of Black journalists.
Landmark Chicago public housing discrimination settlement extended – Chicago Tribune, July 31, 2024
A landmark public housing discrimination settlement in Chicago has been extended, giving the Chicago Housing Authority more time to complete development plans for public housing properties.
How the DNC intends to promote Chicago’s neighborhoods — not just downtown – Chicago Sun-Times, August 1, 2024
Most of the action at the Democratic National Convention will take place inside the vast halls of the United Center, where the party’s presidential nominee and other Democratic heavyweights will have their moment. But when there’s time to explore, DNC and Chicago leaders want some of the expected 50,000 guests to visit tourist attractions beyond the renowned Cloud Gate sculpture, known as the Bean, or the skydeck of the Willis Tower, forever known to locals as the Sears Tower.
Donald Trump’s invitation to Black journalists convention in Chicago divides membership – Chicago Tribune, July 30, 2024
Former President Donald Trump’s scheduled appearance Wednesday at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago roiled the organization as many members questioned the decision to provide a platform for the divisive Republican nominee.
Federal law thwarted Chicago’s attempt to sue gun makers. But now the city has a new strategy. – Crain’s Chicago Business, July 30, 2024
Some call it an “auto sear.” Less formally, it’s also referred to as a “switch” or “button.” It’s made with metal or plastic and about the size of a thimble. The device can be purchased on the internet or made with a 3D printer for a few bucks. Once installed, it transforms a Glock semiautomatic into a small machine gun, allowing a shooter to empty an entire clip in seconds.
Former North Lawndale alderperson appointed to Cook County Board to succeed Deer – The Daily Line, July 31, 2024
Former 24th Ward Ald. Michael Scott Jr. will succeed the late County Comm. Dennis Deer on the Cook County Board of Commissioners after a committee of County Democratic Party committeepersons met Tuesday evening and selected Scott to fill the vacant District 2 seat on the board.
Johnson taps new chief procurement officer weeks after severance package approved for predecessor – The Daily Line, July 31, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the appointment of a new chief procurement officer on Tuesday, nearly two weeks after the City Council approved a severance agreement that allowed the mayor to terminate the former head of the city’s Department of Procurement Services.
In Chicago, civil rights leaders want Sonya Massey’s killing to be a catalyst for police reform – Chicago Sun Times, July 30, 2024
The Rev. Al Sharpton and attorney Ben Crump join the family of Sonya Massey, who was shot dead by a white deputy in Sangamon County. They call on Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to hold bad cops accountable and address systemic racism.
City begins to clear out North Park homeless encampment Tuesday, leaving some residents unsure where they’ll sleep tonight – Chicago Tribune, July 30, 2024
Robert Bulanon, 52, has decorated his home along the North Shore Channel with items that others have thrown away: several flags of different countries and places, colorful pinwheels, patterned rugs and vases.
Firefighters union denied permit to protest during Democratic National Convention – Chicago Sun Times, July 30, 2024
The Chicago Fire Fighters Union Local 2 wants to march near the United Center to light a political fire under Mayor Brandon Johnson to negotiate with firefighters and paramedics waiting more than three years for a new contract. The Johnson administration denied the permit, saying it was “too close” to the United Center.
Alderpeople ask about congestion pricing, dedicated bus lanes on DuSable Lake Shore Drive at committee hearing on improving bus efficiency – The Daily Line, July 30, 2024
Alderpeople asked about the implementation of congestion pricing for vehicles in parts of downtown Chicago and the addition of dedicated bus lanes on DuSable Lake Shore Drive during a Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety hearing Monday.
Cook County launches payment plan calculator to help with property tax budgeting – Chicago Tribune, July 29, 2024
Expecting many south suburban homeowners to miss this year’s Aug. 1 property tax deadline in the face of historically high bills, Cook County announced Monday a service to help manage late payments.
Bus rapid transit a possibility in Chicago but still a long way off, transit officials say – Chicago Sun-Times, July 29, 2024
As a growing chorus of City Council members pushes for dedicated bus lanes on the city’s most popular routes, transit officials pumped the brakes on expectations of seeing true bus rapid transit anytime soon while emphasizing smaller efforts being taken to speed up buses.
Donald Trump to attend national Black journalists convention in Chicago on Wednesday – Chicago Sun-Times, July 29, 2024
The annual National Association of Black Journalists convention runs Wednesday through Sunday in the Loop. Former President Donald Trump, the 2024 GOP nominee for president, will sit down for a Q. and A. session Wednesday, his campaign announced.
Are stadiums a smart use of taxpayer money? – Crain’s Chicago Business, July 29, 2024
Chicago fans of professional sports are just as likely to talk about their favorite teams’ stadiums as they are about those teams’ performances these days.
CTA’s Red Line extension gets new financial help from the feds – Crain’s Chicago Business, July 29, 2024
The Biden administration is giving a major financial boost to plans by the Chicago Transit Authority to extend its Red Line train service to the south city limits.
Greg Hinz: What Kamala Harris — and Chicago — both need from the DNC – Crain’s Chicago Business, July 24, 2024
Inside the United Center, carpenters have started work on the stage that Democrats will use to boost Kamala Harris. Outside the hall, a host of security agencies from Chicago Police Department to the U.S. Secret Service are finalizing plans to keep everyone safe. And in those presumably smoke-free rooms at Democratic headquarters, Harris aides are busily reworking the program to ensure that the four-day, made-for-TV spectacle that kicks off Aug. 19 comes off in the right way.
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s political campaign paid a firm for fundraising help while it lobbied City Hall, spurring calls for reform – Chicago Tribune, July 28, 2024
A consulting firm has helped Mayor Brandon Johnson’s political organization with fundraising while also lobbying his City Hall office, sparking questions from ethics experts on whether reforms are needed to prevent companies from pursuing both endeavors at the same time.
New RTA Report recommends income-based fare programs – Streets Blog Chicago, July 27, 2024
The major challenge facing this proposal is that Chicagoland is currently facing a $730M transit fiscal cliff, but advocates say there are potential options to make it happen.
Chicago Public Schools approves budget, Civic Federation warns of challenges – The Bond Buyer, July 26, 2024
The Chicago Public Schools board of education unanimously approved the $9.9 billion fiscal 2025 budget Thursday.
‘No one asked’: Many West Side residents say they were left in dark about DNC plans – Chicago Tribune, July 28, 2024
For the past half-century, Dee Henderson has lived in an old brick house a few hundred feet from the United Center. Henderson, 66, has raised her children and grandchildren in the house. She’s hosted parties for Chicago Bulls victories and spent summers on her back porch, sipping her favorite cocktail — Tito’s vodka, orange juice, grenadine and Sprite — and watching her kids play in an above-ground pool in the parking lot that separates her house from the large arena.
Dolton former and current elected officials announce campaigns against Tiffany Henyard – Chicago Tribune, July 28, 2024
After Tiffany Henyard was elected to office in 2021, Nicole Scott was hopeful and excited to work with the new Dolton mayor to expand her food pantry to provide an array of supports for local residents.
With promise of $47 million in public funding, Schaumburg all in on The District – The Daily Herald, July 26, 2024
Schaumburg has pledged $47 million in public funding for The District at Veridian, clearing the way for construction to begin on the $185 million, 30-acre mixed-use development on the former Motorola campus.
As the DNC returns to Chicago, Illinois’ dean of the delegation, Dick Durbin, basks in the moment – Chicago Sun Times, July 26, 2024
A stalwart of the U.S. Senate, Durbin says he will decide whether to seek reelection in 2025.
Cook County property tax late fees could be used for tax relief for low-income homeowners – Chicago Tribune, July 27, 2024
After two years of record property tax increases in many suburbs, the Cook County Board is looking into using property tax late fees to give homeowners some relief.
