Administrative Rules

CAPITOL COMPLEX

The SECRETARY OF STATE adopted emergency amendments to the Part titled Public Use of the Capitol Complex and Springfield Facilities (71 IAC 2005; 48 Ill Reg 17392) effective 11/18/24 for a maximum of 150 days. An identical proposed rulemaking appears in this week’s Illinois Register at 48 Ill Reg 17322. The emergency and proposed rulemakings require all members and employees of the General Assembly, employees of SOS, and employees of other State agencies to wear their employer-issued photo IDs where they can be easily seen at all times when entering and within the Capitol Complex. These rulemakings also remove provisions under which SOS could issue ID cards to lobbyists, vendors, and employees of State agencies that do not issue their own photo IDs. Persons without an ID must submit to security screening when entering the Capitol Complex.

Illinois Legislative News

Illinois State Board of Elections Certifies Results

The Illinois State Board of Elections certified the results of the November 5, 2024 General Election. The election saw 70.42% of registered voters cast a ballot. 2024 turnout decreased relative to the last two presidential elections which experienced a record-breaking 72.92% turnout in 2020 and 70.56% turnout in 2016. However, relative to the 2012 general election’s turnout figure of 70.20%, this year’s turnout was slightly higher. Turnout this year was also significantly higher than recent midterm elections, which typically receive lower turnout than presidential years, with 51.06% turnout in 2022, 57.23% in 2018, and 49.18% in 2014. While former President Donald Trump won the electoral college vote, Vice President Kamala Harris won Illinois by a 10.9% margin, receiving 54.37% of the vote to Trump’s 43.47%.

Despite a strong election for Republicans nationally, Illinois Democrats maintained their supermajorities in both chambers of the General Assembly. The makeup of the House and Senate will remain exactly the same with 78 Democrats to 40 Republicans in the House and 40 Democrats to 19 Republicans in the Senate. Incumbent Democrat Patrick Joyce won the 40th Senate District race, which was considered the Senate’s lone competitive seat this year. Despite a few highly competitive races in the House, and aspirations by both parties to pick up seats, Democrats and Republicans kept all the seats they held prior to the election.

The statewide election ballot featured three non-binding advisory questions on civil penalties for election worker interference, increasing the state income tax on millionaires by 3% to fund property tax relief, and requiring health insurance to cover IVF. While these questions are non-binding, they could lead to future legislative action, or in the case of the income tax increase, a future constitutional amendment referendum. The election interference and IVF questions appear to have received overwhelming support from voters, with 89% and 72% voting in favor respectively. The question on increasing the state income tax on millionaires received 61% support, barely above the 60% threshold required to pass as a future constitutional amendment.

Gov. Pritzker Selects Secretary of the New Department of Early Childhood

Earlier in the year, the General Assembly passed and Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed SB 1, creating the new Illinois Department of Early Childhood. The Department of Early Childhood is going through a transition process before taking on full administration of early childhood programs on July 1, 2026. Existing early childhood-related programs under Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), the Department of Human Services (DHS), and the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) will be moved to the new Department of Early Childhood. The General Assembly allocated $14M in the FY 2025 budget for the new Department in the transition phase.

On December 2, Gov. Pritzker named Teresa Ramos as the first secretary of the new Department. Ramos currently serves as the First Assistant Deputy Governor of Education in Gov. Pritzker’s Office. Pending Senate confirmation, she will lead the Department in administering programs such as the Early Childhood Block Grant, the Child Care Assistance Program, home-visiting programs, early intervention services, and day care licensing. Ramos previously served as the Vice President of Public Policy, Research, and Advocacy at Illinois Action for Children and as Director of Community Engagement for Advance Illinois. Ramos holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology with a minor in Latina/Latino Studies from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. In their announcement press release, the Governor’s Office affirmed Ramos “was instrumental in the strategic planning involved in designing, proposing, and launching the newest state agency.”

Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide

January 2-7 – Tentative Lame Duck Session

January 8 – Inauguration of the 104th General Assembly

January 24 – LRB Request Deadline

February 7 – Bill Introduction Deadline

February 19 – Governor’s State of the State and Budget Address

March 21 – Initial Chamber Committee Deadline

April 11 – Initial Chamber Third Reading Deadline

May 9 – Opposite Chamber Committee Deadline

May 23 – Opposite Chamber Third Reading Deadline

May 31 – Adjournment

In the News

‘Some kind of range war’: Madigan trial testimony reveals big political fight over tiny piece of land – Chicago Tribune, December 5, 2024

There is a parking lot in Chinatown tucked under the Red Line tracks, flat, narrow and nondescript except for a big sign advertising cheap rates.

Editorial: Michael Madigan’s trial brings echoes of Boss Daley and his kids – Chicago Tribune, December 6, 2024

The trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, now in its ninth week and set to run into the new year, has captured the attention of political junkies but not so much the public at large.

Pritzker accepts IL award for leadership in innovation – WCIA, December 5, 2024

On Thursday, Governor JB Pritzker accepted an award in France on behalf of Illinois. Pritzker joined the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Mind the Bridge and economic leaders for the Startup Ecosystems (SES) Awards in Paris. Representing the state and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Pritzker made brief remarks and accepted an award on behalf of Illinois.

Robert J. Milan: We must amend the Safe-T-Act and train judges on the importance of protecting the public from violent offenders – Chicago Tribune, December 5, 2024

On Nov. 3, 2015, Crosetti Brand forced his way into the home of his former girlfriend, placed a gun to her chin, choked her, threatened her 15-year-old son and stole her car. For these crimes, Brand was sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Jurors see list of Madigan’s job recommendations given to newly elected Gov. Pritzker – Crain’s Chicago Business, December 5, 2024

In the weeks following now-Gov. JB Pritzker’s November 2018 victory over one-term Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, powerful Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan busied himself preparing for a brand new administration after years of conflict with governors of both parties.

Jim Dey | Slow growth of state economy raises revenue concerns – The News-Gazette, December 5, 2024

Revenues flowing into state coffers continue to send mixed messages to Gov. J.B. Pritzker and legislators, according to state revenue analysts.

Madigan’s son got $43,000 under deal feds call part of criminal enterprise: ‘Give Andrew something’ – Chicago Sun Times, December 4, 2024

The trial of Michael Madigan could be nearing its end. Prosecutors say they could rest their case against the once-powerful state House speaker next week. The remaining witnesses could include U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, a Downstate Democrat and former aide to Gov. JB Pritzker.

Jury in Madigan corruption trial sees speaker’s clout list of recommended hires for Pritzker administration – Chicago Tribune, December 4, 2024

Then-powerful House Speaker Michael Madigan was intimately involved in the process of recommending people to sit on state boards and commissions and kept a running clout list that eventually totaled 91 names after fellow Democrat JB Pritzker won the election for governor in 2018, Madigan’s former chief of staff testified Wednesday.

Illinois revenue dept. officials provide tips to speed up tax return processing, refunds – The Daily Line, December 5, 2024

As the 2024 calendar year comes to a close, Illinois tax officials offered on Tuesday tips to help speed up the tax return filing process and, thus, receive your tax refund sooner for the upcoming filing season.

‘You won’t spend a day in jail’: Madigan attorney hammers Solis’ agreement with feds – Capitol News Illinois, December 4, 2024

The day after Christmas 2018, then-Chicago Ald. Danny Solis signed an agreement with federal prosecutors, with whom he’d spent the last 2 ½ years working as a secret cooperating witness in a sprawling corruption investigation.

Jurors hear former Illinois House speaker’s chief of staff at corruption trial – The Center Square, December 4, 2024

One of Michael Madigan’s former chiefs of staff provided testimony at the former Illinois House speaker’s bribery and racketeering trial.

Why There is a Movement in Some Downstate Counties to Split From Illinois – WTTW, December 4, 2024

The November ballot included a referendum asking some downstate residents whether they support exploring how to break away from Illinois and form their own state. All seven counties that voted were added to the growing list, signaling their dissatisfaction with what’s happening in Springfield and Chicago.

Volunteer emergency worker tax credit changes, tax bracket adjustments addressing inflation among filing changes for Illinoisans in 2024 tax year – The Daily Line, December 4, 2024

Not only can Illinoisans filing tax returns for the 2024 tax year take advantage of a volunteer first-responder tax credit as a state emergency services volunteer, but taxpayers also may see their bills this time around might be lower than expected.

Ex-Ald. Daniel Solis, a historic FBI mole, exits stage alone after testimony in Madigan corruption trial – Chicago Tribune, December 3, 2024

Daniel Solis, the once-prominent Chicago alderman whose turn as an FBI mole took down the state’s two longest-serving Democratic power brokers, walked out of a federal courtroom on Tuesday with his gaze fixed on the floor.

Rahm Emanuel ‘not interested’ in DNC chair, but far from done with politics – Chicago Sun Times, December 3, 2024

The former mayor, now U.S. ambassador to Japan, would not rule out another run for elective office — governor, U.S. senator or mayor of Chicago — even though he fully expects Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker to seek a third term. Emanuel plans to support Pritzker “100%” if he runs again.

Illinois law will require employers include salary range on job postings – WGEM, December 4, 2024

People may start seeing a change in job postings across Illinois in 2025. A new law going into effect on Jan. 1 will require companies to list an expected salary range in job postings. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed the legislation in 2023 amending the state’s Equal Pay Act of 2003. It will require employers with 15 or more employees to include the job’s pay scale and expected benefits in all postings.

State Sen. Napoleon Harris blocks Tiffany Henyard to claim Democratic nomination for Thornton Township supervisor – Chicago Tribune, December 3, 2024

During a quick and fiery town hall style caucus Tuesday night, state Sen. Napoleon Harris received the Democratic nomination for Thornton Township supervisor in the April 2025 election, blocking incumbent Supervisor Tiffany Henyard from the ballot.

Illinois warehouses should be built with storm shelters, state task force recommends – St. Louis Public Radio, December 3, 2024

The Illinois task force focused on warehouse safety, following a deadly 2021 tornado in Edwardsville, is recommending that the state require tornado storm shelters. The 16-member committee of state lawmakers, a local mayor and representatives from industries and trade groups made preliminary recommendations on Tuesday, which still need to be finalized before the end of the year. From there, the group’s final report will be submitted to the Illinois General Assembly for consideration.

Burden of ‘poof?’ Defense grills Solis on tax fraud, prostitution they say could make deal with feds disappear – Chicago Sun Times, December 2, 2024

Jurors in Mike Madigan’s racketeering conspiracy trial heard allegations Monday of tax fraud, bribery, prostitution and campaign law violations as defense attorneys began their long-awaited cross-examination of FBI mole Danny Solis.

Pritzker announces first secretary for the Illinois Department of Early Childhood – Chalkbeat Chicago, December 2, 2024

Teresa Ramos, who currently serves as Illinois’ first assistant deputy governor of education, will be the first secretary of the newly created Illinois Department of Early Childhood, pending state Senate confirmation, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced in a press release on Monday.

Could St. Clair County flip red like Madison County? The GOP is optimistic – St. Louis Public Radio, December 2, 2024

Democrats in St. Clair County previously enjoyed double-digit victories over their Republican opponents, but those margins of victory over the last three elections have crept into the single digits.

‘He’s gonna benefit from being with the Speaker’: Madigan trial offers inside view of private dealmaking – Chicago Tribune, December 1, 2024

The meeting between the developers of a snazzy West Loop condo tower and a team of downtown tax lawyers was hardly unusual at first glance.

Durbin hopes Democrats can focus on bipartisanship following election – WAND, November 27, 2024

Many Democratic leaders have continued to attack former president Donald Trump and other top Republicans after their victories on November 5. Although, Sen. Dick Durbin told reporters in Springfield this week that politicians should trust Americans and aim for bipartisanship.

Easy part may be over for Danny Solis — defense expected to make FBI mole Madigan’s new punching bag – Chicago Sun Times, November 27, 2024

Prosecutors finished their initial questioning of Solis before jurors were sent home for the holiday weekend. Cross examination is to begin Monday. The feds also played a video that included a glimpse of a punching bag in Madigan’s office bearing the face of his old nemesis Gov. Bruce Rauner.

Wiretaps, secretly recorded videos show Madigan recruiting business to his law firm – Crain’s Chicago Business, November 27, 2024

For the second time in the span of seven months, then-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan called up Chicago Ald. Danny Solis after reading about a proposed real estate development in the alderman’s ward.

State Week: Illinois budget concerns are growing – NPR Illinois, November 27, 2024

As Illinois nears the halfway point of the fiscal year, there are dark clouds forming in the state’s financial picture.

Del Mar Running For Reelection As Highway Commissioner On ‘Blended’ Slate – Journal & Topics, November 27, 2024

Aaron Del Mar wears several hats — Palatine Township Republican committeeman, Illinois Republican Party co-chairman, and Palatine Township highway commissioner. In his run for reelection as highway commissioner, it was learned this week that Del Mar will run on a slate that includes one Democrat, one independent, and six Republicans in the April 1, 2025 election.

Proposed Illinois law would make it illegal for companies to microchip their employees – MSN, December 2, 2024

A new bill circulating through the Illinois General Assembly would make it illegal for employers to require their workers to implant microchips in their bodies.

Over half of aldermen calling on mayor to find more ways to cut costs as budget deadline looms – ABC 7 Chicago, December 5, 2024

Time is running out for Chicago City Council to pass a budget. More than half of all Council members are calling on the mayor to find more ways to cut costs.

David Greising: Brandon Johnson’s unprecedented spending means City Council is right to put away its rubber stamp – Chicago Tribune, December 6, 2024

Budget talks already were off to a late start this year on Mayor Brandon Johnson’s $17.3 billion spending plan when City Council voted last month — in a stunning 50-0 tally — to reject Johnson’s proposal for a $300 million property tax hike.

Mayor Brandon Johnson says texts with CTU chief don’t mean he was aware of allegations against staffer – Chicago Tribune, December 5, 2024

Mayor Brandon Johnson on Thursday maintained that he was in the dark about his former communications director’s alleged misconduct until seeing public records requests for his personnel file, despite having sent urgent text messages about Ronnie Reese days before his termination.

Ordinance would aim to create earlier, more transparent city budget process, beef up COFA – The Daily Line, December 6, 2024

More than half of the City Council has signed on to an ordinance to make the city’s budget process more public-facing and accessible to residents and alderpeople alike and start the budget process earlier. The legislation was proposed as Mayor Brandon Johnson and the council continue to negotiate a budget proposal that can be approved before the end of the year.

Lyft urges Chicago riders to push City Council to reject new tax – Crain’s Chicago Business, December 5, 2024

Lyft Inc. is asking its customers in Chicago to urge the city’s council to reject a proposed tax on rideshares in the downtown zone during the weekend, marking the latest hurdle as Mayor Brandon Johnson races to close a nearly $1 billion deficit by year-end.

$7 billion United Center project could benefit from TIF extension – Crain’s Chicago Business, December 6, 2024

Mayor Brandon Johnson wants to extend a special taxing district that could be a boon for future development on the city’s West Side, including the massive 1901 project surrounding the United Center, but will bottle up property tax growth in the area for another 12 years.

Bears would pay $3.6 million a year, under proposed Arlington Park property tax settlement – The Daily Herald, December 5, 2024

The Chicago Bears would pay $3.6 million in property taxes a year at the sprawling Arlington Park property until construction begins on a stadium, under terms of a proposed agreement released Thursday by Arlington Heights officials.

More tax fights loom as Johnson and City Council near budget deal – Crain’s Chicago Business, December 5, 2024

Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City Council hope to finalize a budget compromise ahead of a series of votes planned for next week before growing opposition to anticipated tax increases blocks a deal.

Aldermen push Mayor Brandon Johnson to make cuts, collaborate as budget deadline looms – Chicago Tribune, December 5, 2024

A group of 28 aldermen is sending a message to Mayor Brandon Johnson with time running out to pass a Chicago city budget: Make cuts, communicate more clearly and “do better.”

Most crime in Chicago is exaggerated. But theft really is that bad. – Crain’s Chicago Business, December 6, 2024

The string of burglaries began on a Saturday night six weeks ago when a group of masked men shattered the glass door of a small business in West Town. They took the cash drawer, fled and got away. A few hours later, according to the Chicago Police Department, the same suspects robbed another business in Albany Park. Then another in Belmont Cragin. They hit six spots before calling it quits at sunrise.

Stalled Morgan Park housing, retail project at former Jewel site could soon break ground – Chicago Sun Times, December 5, 2024

The Far South Community Development Corp. said its eyeing a 2025 groundbreaking on its long-planned Morgan Park Commons project.

Brandon Johnson says he didn’t know about the Ronnie Reese allegations. He should have. – Chicago Sun Times, December 3, 2024

The mayor says he was unaware of problems with his communications director until he learned of them in the media. Could that be?

City Hall braces for Trump assault on its minority set-aside program – Chicago Sun Times, December 4, 2024

City Council members are concerned about an assault from the incoming Trump administration on Chicago’s coveted minority set-aside program, and are wondering what the city can do to insulate that program from attack.

Law department talks about new risk mitigation division, crackdown on scofflaw lot barons in budget hearing – The Daily Line, December 5, 2024

Chicago’s law department presented its proposed budget Wednesday on the final day of budget hearings. Discussion centered around the department’s new risk mitigation division and a new crackdown on problematic owners of numerous vacant lots.

New chief procurement officer faces questions about minority business participation at budget hearing – The Daily Line, December 5, 2024

The city Department of Procurement Services (DPS) presented their budget on the last day of city budget hearings Wednesday.

Chicago homeless advocates ask city to rethink closure of Humboldt Park tent city – Chicago Tribune, December 5, 2024

As municipalities across Illinois and the country continue to tighten restrictions on where the homeless can sleep, local advocates and service providers asked Chicago officials Wednesday to reconsider the planned closure of one of the city’s largest homeless encampments and not bar people from sleeping in the park in the future.

City Council puts do-not-hire policy under a microscope in wake of mayor’s press office shakeup – Crain’s Chicago Business, December 3, 2024

Saying the process was abused by the mayor’s office, members of the City Council are calling for changes to the city’s do-not-hire policy. Standing before four former employees of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s communications team who were placed on the do-not-hire list after being fired by their former boss, Ronnie Reese, Ald. Scott Waguespack, 32nd, and Ald. Gilbert Villegas, 36th, said during a news conference outside City Hall today that they plan to push for an easier appeal process for those who believe they were unfairly placed on the list.

Allegations against mayor’s former communications director dominate Human Resources budget hearing – The Daily Line, December 4, 2024

The city’s Department of Human Resources presented its budget to the City Council Committee on Budget and Government Operations Tuesday, but allegations of harassment and inappropriate comments against the mayor’s former communications director hung over the hearing.

Reestablished environment department will still lack former regulatory powers, alderpeople learn in budget hearing – The Daily Line, December 4, 2024

Department of Environment officials appeared before the city’s budget committee Tuesday to present the department’s proposed budget for the second year after being reestablished in the 2024 budget. However, the department’s powers remain an echo of what they had previously been.

Aldermen blast Mayor Brandon Johnson’s handling of staff abuse allegations – Chicago Tribune, December 3, 2024

Aldermen blasted Mayor Brandon Johnson’s handling of staff abuse allegations Tuesday and demanded he change the rules governing the city’s “do not hire” list.

Mayor Brandon Johnson tells City Club he wants Chicago under 500 homicides in 2025 – Chicago Tribune, December 3, 2024

Mayor Brandon Johnson on Tuesday debuted a new goal for Chicago: fewer than 500 homicides next year. Johnson floated the benchmark — which has not been achieved since 2015 — during a City Club of Chicago speech, after noting this year’s drop in homicides and shootings. The mayor’s remarks to the lunch crowd of business types and politicos also leaned heavily on his racial identity and faith as he sought to recast the narrative on his rocky year-and-a-half leading the nation’s third-largest city.

Chicago is closing its biggest tent city but comes up short on promised apartments – WBEZ Chicago, December 4, 2024

The people left out include Porfirio and Melissa, a homeless couple recovering from addiction. To survive winter, they’re relying on each other.

Kim Foxx reflects on bail reform, vacating wrongful convictions as successor takes tough-on-crime stance – Chicago Sun Times, December 2, 2024

Foxx, who chose not to seek a third term as Cook County’s top prosecutor, said her office worked “tirelessly to enhance the scales of justice and equality.” Her replacement, Eileen O’Neill Burke, was sworn in Monday.

Alderpeople seek funding for municipal sidewalk plowing pilot program in 2025 budget – The Daily Line, December 3, 2024

Chicago alderpeople and disability rights, pedestrian and active transit advocates are calling on the mayor to include $1 million in funding in the city’s budget for a pilot program for municipal plowing of sidewalks.

New State’s Attorney lays out pre-trial detention policy after swearing-in – The Daily Line, December 3, 2024

Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke officially was sworn in Monday and immediately laid out the office’s approach to pre-trial detention under her leadership.

Mayor Brandon Johnson says he didn’t know about allegations against ex-communications director – Chicago Tribune, December 2, 2024

Mayor Brandon Johnson on Monday blamed his office’s handling of harassment complaints against his former communications director on what he described as a flawed disciplinary process he inherited at City Hall.

Mariyana Spyropoulos promises to modernize Cook County court clerk’s office – Chicago Tribune, December 2, 2024

Quoting Greek philosophers and pledging to “drag the office into the modern age,” Mariyana Spyropoulos was ceremonially sworn into her new role as Cook County’s Circuit Court clerk on Monday.

Chicago plans $806M bond refinancing amid budget standoff – Crain’s Chicago Business, December 2, 2024

Chicago is planning to sell about $806 million in municipal bonds this week as part of a refinancing as Mayor Brandon Johnson races to close a budget gap of nearly $1 billion by year end.

Johnson floats $60 million property tax hike with budget deadline looming – Crain’s Chicago Business, December 2, 2024

With just under a month to go before the City Council must approve a 2025 budget, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s team spent the weekend gauging support for a property tax increase roughly $240 million less than what the mayor first proposed.

‘Plow The Sidewalks’ Pilot Left Out Of City Budget, Angering Disability Rights Advocates – Block Club Chicago, December 2, 2024

Facing an almost $1 billion budget gap, Mayor Brandon Johnson did not allocate funding to launch the pilot next year. But advocates want to see $1 million set aside to get it off the ground.

Eye On Illinois: Bears eventually will have to abandon city or sell suburban plot – Shaw Local News Network, November 27, 2024

To everyone who has set aside time from their Thanksgiving observance to watch the Bears play against the Lions in Detroit, I offer condolences. (Reminder: the Cubs are undefeated in November.)

US Senate inquiry into Chicago’s housing of migrants at airports likely to heat up after Republican election wins – Chicago Tribune, December 1, 2024

A nearly year-old U.S. Senate GOP inquiry into Chicago’s housing of migrants at O’Hare and Midway airports may become more than a political annoyance for Mayor Brandon Johnson next year as Republicans take control of the federal government with an eye on tightening rules about public spending for noncitizens.

Plan to turn vacant South Side, West Side lots into homes is seeing results – Chicago Sun Times, November 28, 2024

“Reclaiming Chicago” campaign is on track to start construction on more than 150 homes by the end of 2024 after launching in 2021.

Stakes rising as City Hall enters December with no budget and one month to figure it out – Chicago Tribune, November 29, 2024

At City Hall, the clock is ticking and anxiety is mounting as aldermen and Mayor Brandon Johnson work to pass a 2025 spending plan.

Johnson’s ex-communications director faced misconduct complaints before firing – Chicago Sun Times, November 28, 2024

Three complaints were filed against Ronnie Reese in the year leading up to his termination, according to city personnel records, including one from a female staffer in the mayor’s press office who claimed Reese made her “severely uncomfortable.”

Mayor Brandon Johnson says he doesn’t tolerate behavior that got his ex-spokesman terminated but offers little else – Chicago Tribune, November 27, 2024

More than a day after it was revealed Mayor Brandon Johnson’s former communications director was terminated amid allegations of sexual harassment, misogyny, racism and other abusive behavior, the mayor said Wednesday evening his administration does not tolerate such behavior but shed no other light on the scandal.

Editorial: Complaints paint a disturbing picture of City Hall as a workplace – Crain’s Chicago Business, November 27, 2024

Ask anyone who has worked for an elected official at the level of, say, a president, a senator, a governor or a big-city mayor, and they’ll likely tell you straight up: It’s a pressure-cooker environment, particularly the closer one gets to the very top of the power pyramid.

Chicago’s refinancing steers clear of scoop-and-toss – The Bond Buyer, November 27, 2024

A complex refinancing deal pricing next week continues Chicago’s move from scoop-and-toss practices but still front-loads savings to help balance the city’s budget.

What does the Trump administration have in store for Chicago families? Many are concerned about child care costs, paid family leave. – Chicago Tribune, November 30, 2024

Abby Schmeling was pleased to see child care come up as an issue during the recent presidential campaign. Day care allows her and her husband to continue working full-time jobs with an 18-month-old daughter and a 4-year-old son. It also allows her children to develop with trained professionals and to socialize with classmates and teachers.