Third Reading Report: July 15, 2024

Illinois Legislative News

On July 9, the Illinois Senate Transportation Committee held a subject matter hearing titled “How Public Transit Supports the Economy.” The hearing was the first of six scheduled throughout the year to address the looming Chicago area transit agency budget gap beginning in FY 2026. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra Commuter Rail, Pace Suburban Bus, and Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) are projected to face a combined $730M budget deficit due in part to ridership that remains well below pre-pandemic numbers. Currently, the agencies are receiving federal COVID-19 relief funding to fill the budget gap, but that money will run out in FY 2026. RTA Board Chair Kirk Dillard reported that the cliff could “wipe out 30 to 40 percent of service in northwest Illinois,” if additional funding is not provided. The RTA estimated that the transit fiscal cliff has the potential to trigger a $2.4B drop in regional GDP and affect nearly 25,000 jobs, should lawmakers fail to pass a funding package.

Near the end of the 2024 regular session of the Illinois General Assembly, Reps. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago), Eva-Dina Delgado (D-Chicago), and Senate Transportation Committee Chair Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) proposed legislation to merge the four Chicago area transit agencies into a new single entity called the Metropolitan Mobility Authority. These legislators introduced two versions of the proposal: HB 5829/SB 3936, which also includes language to add a zero-emission transportation standard similar to California’s, and HB 5823/SB 3937 which only includes the transit agency merger language. They also introduced an associated appropriation bill (HB 5828/SB 3938) providing $1.5B in General Funds revenue to the newly formed Metropolitan Mobility Authority. While formal analysis has yet to be conducted on the impact of the proposed consolidation, the Civic Federation estimated that merging the agencies would save up to $250M per year in operational costs. The $1.5B appropriation could help cover the funding gap in the short term while the new Authority works to bring ridership and revenue back to pre-pandemic levels and beyond. The three bills did not receive consideration in the 2024 legislative session due to their late introduction.

Sen. Villivalam began Tuesday’s hearing with a clear message. “There will be no votes for funding unless we address service, governance, and the corresponding reforms that are needed to give… the taxpayers in the RTA region… the confidence that… the public transit system will be… safe, reliable, accessible, equitable, and environmentally conscious and economically impactful.”

The first panel to testify before the Committee featured the heads of all four agencies: RTA Chairman Kirk Dillard, Metra CEO and Executive Director Jim Derwinski, CTA President Doval Carter, Jr., and Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger. The four agency leaders all agreed a change in governance structure is counter-productive to addressing the fiscal cliff. Instead, they believe that the Committee should focus finding additional funding for the four separate agencies as they currently exist. Moreover, the agency heads argued that their systems must remain locally controlled to ensure adequate representation of all communities in the Chicago region.

The second panel highlighted the interests of business and organized labor, including Chicago Federation of Labor Deputy Chief of Staff Andrea Kluger, CTA Bus Operator Jason Nawls, Illinois Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Lou Sandoval, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jack Lavin, and Metropolitan Planning Council Vice President of Programs and Strategic Impact Kendra Freeman. This panel’s discussion was dominated by the importance of quality and reliable public transportation to the Chicago and Illinois economies. Panelists argued that reliable public transit helps reduce congestion, improve environmental conditions, spur economic development, increase the labor force, and stimulate residential and commercial property development. They acknowledged that agencies face other problems in addition to the funding cliff and stressed that they must prioritize safety, reliability, cleanliness, updating technology, and integrating fares across systems as they work to expand service.

Sandoval and Lavin additionally argued that simply providing more funding for the existing transit agencies would be inefficient and ineffective. They stated that an appropriation of tax revenue to transit would divert revenue from other public needs such as education and public safety and could require the imposition of new taxes. Both Chamber of Commerce representatives supported governance reforms to better integrate the existing agencies and address their pitfalls, while also saving in operations costs.

The Committee will hold five more hearings before veto session on July 24, August 8, August 28, September 18, and October 16. The upcoming hearings will discuss transit accessibility, its effect on quality of life, the interplay between public health and the climate, and the statewide impact of Chicagoland transit.

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

A 2nd Illinois congressman calls for Biden to step downCrain’s Chicago Business, July 11, 2024

North suburban U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider added his voice to the growing chorus of Democratic lawmakers calling for President Joe Biden to “pass the torch” as the party’s presidential nominee.

RNC 2024: Illinois GOP united behind Trump amid leadership change; Pritzker to have Milwaukee presenceThe Daily Line, July 12, 2024

The Illinois Republican Party will get a new leader this week as party Chair Don Tracy exits, citing too much time spent managing party infighting. But one thing Illinois Republicans at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee will not disagree on next week is their support for former President Donald Trump as their party’s nominee.

Illinois GOP set to select one of three finalists for state chairChicago Tribune, July 11, 2024

Illinois’ Republican leaders are set to meet virtually Friday to select a successor to Don Tracy, who resigned the state GOP chairmanship last month in frustration over party infighting.

News in brief: Pritzker believes Biden can win; Caulkins asks Tracy to delay resignation – The Daily Line, July 11, 2024

Gov. JB Pritzker, who has remained in President Joe Biden’s corner despite some Democrats saying Biden should drop out of the race, believes Biden can still win in November. “There’s just no doubt in my mind that Joe Biden is a far better choice than his opponent. So I have no regrets about the fact that I will advocate for him and the fact that I will vote for him in November, and I think he will win,” Pritzker said.

Illinois’ Trump delegates head to Milwaukee at a time of upheaval in the state Republican PartyWBEZ, July 10, 2024

Illinois Republicans prepare to celebrate Trump’s nomination as recent infighting has mired the state party.

Illinois Reparations Commission to Host Public Hearings, Starting in ChicagoWTTW, July 10, 2024

Illinois residents looking to weigh in on reparations, now’s your chance. The state’s reparations commission is kicking off public hearings across Illinois — with the first taking place in Chicago on Saturday.

Eye On Illinois: What other Prairie State sporting spectacles might be possible?Shaw Local, July 10, 2024

I don’t love any of these ideas personally, but it doesn’t take much to convince me a good spectacle is worth the effort, and although the 2023 NASCAR Chicago race was a TV ratings bonanza, the returns on such things tend to diminish – consider the many iterations of the outdoor National Hockey League games or Major League Baseball’s second attempt at a Field of Dreams game in Dyersville, Iowa.

Biden gets strong backing from Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Mayor Brandon JohnsonChicago Tribune, July, 9, 2024

President Joe Biden received vigorous endorsements from Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on Tuesday as the president works to tamp down an ongoing chorus of calls that he step aside following a dismal debate performance against Donald Trump almost two weeks ago.

No hypotheticals: Pritzker doesn’t rule out presidential bid if Biden drops outThe Daily Line, July 10, 2024

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker refused to rule out trying to replace President Joe Biden on the ticket if Biden were to decide to drop out of the race when asked by reporters Tuesday.

Want more transit service? Step up state funding, transit agencies tell lawmakersThe Daily Line, July 10, 2024

As state lawmakers begin conversations about public transit reform, the leaders of the Chicago area’s four transit agencies told state lawmakers that the best way to improve services is for the state to increase funding for public transportation.

Fate of ComEd bribery defendants could be in the dark for monthsChicago Sun Times, July 9, 2024

It’s a remarkable turnaround in a case that once seemed like a slam-dunk for the feds. Jurors in May 2023 convicted the four defendants of every count for which they’d been charged.

Northwest suburban Republicans think Trump will tap Scott for VPThe Daily Herald, July 9, 2024

In a straw poll taken among roughly 250 Northwest suburban Republicans Monday night, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina emerged as the perceived choice former President Donald Trump will make for his running mate with 63 votes in the poll.

Cabello Jumps Into GOP Chair RaceThe Illinoize, July 9, 2024

A third candidate has jumped into the race to succeed Don Tracy as Illinois Republican Party chairman. Multiple sources say Rep. John Cabello (R-Machesney Park) is making calls to members of the GOP’s State Central Committee seeking support to become party chairman. A vote is expected Friday to replace Tracy, who announced his resignation last month.

Former GOP state lawmaker, candidate for governor sentenced to 42 months in prisonCapitol News, July 9, 2024

Former Republican State Sen. Sam McCann on Tuesday was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for stealing nearly $700,000 in campaign funds and attempting to conceal his theft with false reports to state election authorities.

Jim Dey | Illinois economy OK, but still lags behind other statesThe News-Gazette, July 9 , 2024

Illinois’ tax revenues declined by $1.5 billion in June compared with the same month in 2023. But a state revenue official attributed the decline to the absence of federal coronavirus financial aid and said that traditional revenues actually increased by $132 million.

Madigan attorneys still aiming for October trial despite U.S. Supreme Court rulingChicago Sun-Times, July 8, 2024

Prosecutors have no plan to file a revised indictment against the disgraced former Illinois House speaker.

Durbin: Debate ‘raised a lot of questions’ about Biden’s viabilityThe Hill, July 8, 2024

Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (Ill.), the No. 2-ranking member of the Senate Democratic leadership, said Monday that President Biden’s debate performance “raised a lot of questions” about his strength as a general election candidate, but he added he would withhold judgment until hearing from colleagues.

Climate change threatens overall firefly populations, study shows, but Midwest could see increaseChicago Tribune, July 9, 2024

For many who grew up east of the Mississippi River, yellow twinkling lights punctuate magical childhood memories. New England natives call them fireflies, but they’re known as lightning bugs from the Midwest to the South. No matter their regional name, they are a staple of warm summer evenings.

State 2024 revenue meets expectations as commission says Illinois economic metrics lag nationThe Daily Line, July 9, 2024

The state ended Fiscal Year 2024 on June 30 with revenue falling in line with expectations of the state’s two major budget forecasting offices.

Pritzker steps up anti-Trump drive with Milwaukee abortion adsCrain’s Chicago Business, July 8, 2024

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is stepping up his fight against Donald Trump, with his pro-choice group buying billboard ads in the city that will host the Republican National Convention next week.

Unemployment claims in Illinois increased last weekThe State Journal-Register, July 8, 2024

Initial filings for unemployment benefits in Illinois rose last week compared with the week prior, the U.S. Department of Labor said Thursday.

Domestic violence survivors in Illinois are in prison for abusers’ crimesChicago Sun Times, July 5, 2024

Pat Johnson ended up in prison for murder — one of nearly 100 people nationwide the Marshall Project identified who were convicted of assisting, supporting or failing to stop a crime by their alleged abusers.

As Biden’s position continues to weaken, will Pritzker end up on revamped Dem ticket?Crain’s Chicago Business, July 8, 2024

With President Joe Biden so far unable to quell post-debate concerns about his age, Illinois Democrats appear to be increasingly open to replacing him on the party ticket, most likely with Vice President Kamala Harris.

Illinois reports paying its bills on time and in fullThe Bond Buyer, July 5, 2024

The Illinois state comptroller reported a 55% year-over-year increase in the end-of-year general revenue fund cash balance as her office paid the state’s bills in a timely manner, a departure from recent years when the state’s unpaid bill backlogs topped $10 billion.

Senate GOP Leader talks Republican chairman exit ahead of conventionWCIA, July 6, 2024

There are only a couple of weeks left until the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, but the Illinois Republican Party is struggling its way onto the convention floor after chairman Don Tracy announced that he will be resigning due to turmoil within the party.

Illinois AG Kwame Raoul joins Democratic counterparts in defending DEI initiativesChicago Tribune, July 8, 2024

A national effort to undermine diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in housing, universities and corporate boardrooms is being countered in Illinois and other states by Democratic officials who say they will defend anti-discrimination laws from being “hijacked and turned on their heads.”

John Deere layoffs rock Quad Cities; add talking points in competitive congressional race The Daily Line, July 8, 2024

About 600 Illinois and Iowa John Deere employees are set to lose their jobs this summer as the agriculture giant cuts back production and transfers jobs out of the country.

‘They are all good people’: Who Suburban Republicans would like Trump to pick for vice presidentThe Daily Herald, July 5, 2024

With the Republican National Convention looming, thoughts are turning to former President Donald Trump’s choice of a running mate.

Jim Dey | Frerichs: master of the market’s rise and fall? The News Gazette, July 8, 2024

State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is one of a number of ambitious Democrats itching for a chance to move up the political ladder.

DNC party planners ignore questions about BidenCrain’s Chicago Business, July 11, 2024

With less than 40 days before the Democratic National Convention arrives in Chicago, officials preparing for the one-week gala told the City Club today they’ll be ready for the event but ducked questions over the star of the party.

Health and Human Relations committee to hold hearings on hate flyering, rodent and wild animal abatement measuresThe Daily Line, July 12, 2024

The City Council Committee on Health and Human Relations will meet Friday to hold three subject matter hearings on rodent control, dumping prohibitions to deter wild animals and hate flyering.

Mayor announces multiple policy changes in wake of Cut the Tape Report, formation of task force to carry out initiativeThe Daily Line, July 12, 2024

The mayor on Tuesday made multiple announcements to mark the administration’s progress in carrying out the Cut the Tape initiative, the mayor’s plan to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and speed up the approval process for developers of residential and commercial real estate.

News in brief: Johnson touts One Summer Chicago program numbers; County recognized nationally for its technology practicesThe Daily Line, July 12, 2024

Chicago announced an increase in the number of young people hired through its summer jobs program, and the county received recognition for technological innovation and excellence for the fifth year in a row.

Chicago Fed chief Goolsbee: Fed ‘isn’t in the elections business’Politico, July 11, 2024

Chicago Federal Reserve President Austan Goolsbee on Thursday said the central bank “isn’t in the elections business,” and it wouldn’t be a good idea to make interest rate decisions based on anything other than the state of the economy.

Johnson offers fiery defense of Joe Biden as convention planners say Chicago is ready for DNCChicago Sun-Times, July 11, 2024

Mayor Brandon Johnson on Thursday offered a fiery, full-throated defense of President Joe Biden, questioning why there is even a debate between an incumbent president who has “shown up” for Chicago and a former president who “has not accepted the results of the Civil War” and is “on trial for an attempted coup to overturn” the 2020 election.

‘Unique’ longtime jurist Virginia Kendall set to become next chief judge of Chicago’s federal courtChicago Sun-Times, July 11, 2024

Virginia Kendall, a former prosecutor nominated to the bench nearly 20 years ago by President George W. Bush, is set to be sworn in as chief judge of Chicago’s federal court Aug. 1.

Chicago transit chiefs reject reform proposals as they ask state for financial lifelineCrain’s Chicago Business, July 10, 2024

Public transit has become an increasingly contentious issue in the Chicago area as the Regional Transportation Authority — the funding body which oversees Pace suburban bus routes, Metra regional rail lines and the Chicago Transit Authority — has reported a looming “fiscal cliff” in 2026.

After violent holiday weekend, Chicago civic leaders announce $100 million for crime-fighting effortsChicago Tribune, July 10, 2024

In a show of political and private force after a horrifically violent extended holiday weekend in Chicago, civic leaders joined Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Mayor Brandon Johnson and state legislative leaders to announce progress in their commitment to funding community-level violence prevention programs.

Measure allowing CDOT permit denials for athletic events that pose health and safety risks advances to City Council, could imperil Chicago River swimThe Daily Line, July 11, 2024

A downtown alderperson’s measure that could be used to block a planned swim in the Chicago River this fall was approved by the Committee on Special Events, Cultural Affairs and Recreation on Wednesday.

Ahead of DNC, city officials to close, cordon off one of Chicago’s largest, most visible homeless campsChicago Sun-Times, July 11, 2024

Federal officials haven’t asked that the “tent city” next to the Dan Ryan Expressway be cleared, but a top mayoral aide says she doesn’t want to wait and then scramble. Camp residents will get guaranteed shelter through the week after the Democratic National Convention.

Canceling Chicago police officers’ days off before DNC is ‘a recipe for disaster,’ union boss saysChicago Sun-Times, July 10, 2024

Canceling time off kills police morale at a critical time before the Democratic National Convention, John Catanzara said. But the police department said the cancellations are only made to ensure sufficient staffing, and officers are given advance notice.

Downtown office vacancy reaches new heights againCrain’s Chicago Business, July 10, 2024

The downtown office vacancy rate wrapped up the first half of the year at an all-time high of 25.8%, up from 25.1% at the end of the first quarter, according to research from real estate services firm CBRE. The share of available office space in the central business district is now inching closer to doubling the 13.8% vacancy rate when the COVID-19 pandemic began and has hit new record highs in 13 of the past 15 quarters.

Where Chicago’s megadevelopments standCrain’s Chicago Business, July 11, 2024

More than five years ago, the City Council approved a pair of multi-billion dollar proposals to transform two sprawling Chicago industrial sites into new neighborhoods with thousands of square feet of housing, office and entertainment space.

Pedestrian and Traffic Safety committee extends pilot program for automated ticketing after delay in selecting camera vendorThe Daily Line, July 11, 2024

The City Council Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety extended the length of a pilot program to automatically ticket drivers for parking infractions during a meeting Wednesday.

Housing committee approves low-affordability designations for future sites of new rental housing developmentsThe Daily Line, July 11, 2024

The housing committee voted to approve an ordinance (O2024-0010117) accepting reconveyance deeds from Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation for five vacant properties located at 1256 N. Artesian Ave., 1728 N. Drake Ave., 1353 N. Maplewood Ave., 3301 W. Crystal St., and 1020 N. Kedzie Ave. The ordinance also releases the site at 3047 W. Wabansia Ave. from an amended redevelopment agreement between Bickerdike and the city.

Metra to run hourly service from O’Hare during DNCChicago Sun-Times, July 10, 2024

Metra will run trains hourly from O’Hare Airport to downtown Chicago during the Democratic National Convention in August. North Central Service line trains will run hourly from Aug. 12-30, overlapping with the DNC, between the O’Hare Transfer station and Union Station, according to Metra. One-way fares will cost $3.75, with trips downtown taking about 35 minutes. The DNC is scheduled for Aug. 19-22.

Transportation committee gives approval to Ashland Avenue CTA bus extensionThe Daily Line, July 11, 2024

The City Council’s Committee on Transportation and Public Way voted Wednesday to approve a measure (O2024-0009810) that gives the city’s permission to the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) to carry out its bus service extension on Ashland Avenue.

Pro-Palestinian group seeks larger protest route near Democratic convention as city raises safety concernsChicago Sun Times, July 9, 2024

March organizers were denied a route mostly on Washington Boulevard. The city pitched a route on smaller streets near the United Center.

Rep. Kam Buckner: While we debate changes to DuSable Lake Shore Drive, let’s focus on the lakefrontChicago Tribune, July 10, 2024

In the ongoing dialogue about the future of DuSable Lake Shore Drive, it’s clear that there are competing ideas on what should happen, and it’s also clear that public discourse is essential for the progress and vitality of Chicago. While there is much debate and negotiation, one fact remains indisputable: We can agree on the immediate need to improve our lakefront.

Chicagoland transit heads push back on proposal to combine agenciesWGN9, July 9, 2024

Legislation proposed earlier this year would merge transit agencies as RTA faces $730 million budget gap.

Mariano’s, Jewel parents plan to divest 35 stores in Illinois to secure mergerCrain’s Chicago Business, July 9, 2024

Kroger Co., the parent of Mariano’s Fresh Markets, and Jewel-Osco parent Albertsons Cos released the full list of stores, distribution centers and plants they plan to divest to secure regulatory approval for their proposed merger.

Republican Will County Board members decry email breach by Democratic leaderChicago Tribune, July 9, 2024

Will County Board Republican Leader Steve Balich has filed several complaints with authorities alleging board Democratic Leader Jacqueline Traynere engaged in a cybercrime by accessing emails between himself and County Board Chair Judy Ogalla.

Johnson spikes threat to his control over City Council meetingsCrain’s Chicago Business, July 8, 2024

After contentious debate, a last-minute opposition effort from Mayor Brandon Johnson defeated a measure that would have empowered the City Council with an extra layer of legislative independence from the Fifth Floor.

Senate approves Chicago federal judge’s ascent to Court of AppealsCrain’s Chicago Business, July 8, 2024

The U.S. Senate on Monday confirmed Nancy Maldonado to become the first Hispanic judge to join the Chicago-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit. The vote was 47 to 43 after a vote that stretched for more than an hour.

Mayor Brandon Johnson says ‘no decision’ yet on moving NASCAR from 4th of July weekendChicago Tribune, July 8, 2024

Mayor Brandon Johnson was tight-lipped Monday on the fate of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race after a lackluster audience showing and criticism from some over the diversion of hundreds of police officers to Grant Park during the historically violent holiday weekend.

Mayor Johnson caught in the middle of CPS-City Hall pension disagreementWBEZ, July 8, 2024

CPS plans to release its budget this week after a month’s delay. Sources say much of the discussion focused on a large pension payment CPS wanted the city to resume paying.

Effort to combine CTA, Metra, Pace gets public hearing on TuesdayChicago Sun-Times, July 8, 2024

State Sen. Ram Villivalam and state Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado, both Chicago Democrats, introduced a bill in April to combine the region’s transit agencies. Residents can offer their opinions in a series of public hearings that begin Tuesday in Chicago.

After bloody July Fourth weekend, mayor calls for the feds. We hope they’re listening.Chicago Sun-Times, July 9, 2024

We cannot let gun violence become as much of an American tradition on July Fourth as fireworks. Here in Chicago, there were at least 105 people shot — 19 fatally — over the long holiday weekend.

Nearly half of council rejects measure to amend rules to give alderpeople real-time advice on council procedureThe Daily Line, July 9, 2024

A measure that would give members of the City Council access to real-time advice and information about council rules and procedure from Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB) staffers was rejected by nearly half the council at Monday’s rules committee meeting.

Yearslong Push to Make Chicago City Council More Independent From the Mayor FaltersWTTW, July 8, 2024

A push to expand the power of the Chicago City Council to operate independently from the mayor and city attorneys failed to win the backing of a key city panel Monday, preventing the yearslong effort from advancing.

Cut traffic, connect to the lake to reboot Mag Mile: studyCrain’s Chicago Business, July 8, 2024

Bringing life back to the vacancy-plagued Magnificent Mile calls for scrapping two lanes of vehicle traffic and adding a dynamic new way to connect it to Lake Michigan, among other new recommendations from the world’s largest design firm.

Rules committee to consider council rule change to accommodate proposed Office of Legislative CounselThe Daily Line, July 8, 2024

The City Council Committee on Committees and Rules on Monday will consider whether to move forward a resolution from Alds. Brendan Reilly (42) and Anthony Beale (9) related to the push to give the City Council its own legal counsel.

A major shake-up of Metra, CTA and Pace? Now’s the time to speak out as public hearings kick offDaily Herald, July 7, 2024

Bostonians catch MBTA buses and trains. Philadelphians commute on SEPTA transit. In Chicago and the suburbs, we’re blessed with Metra, Pace, the CTA and the Regional Transportation Authority — four governing boards and 47 members overseeing three separate transit systems.

Advocates caution ADU building costs can be high as Chicago considers expanding ‘granny flat’ pilot programChicago Sun Times, July 6, 2024

Proponents say an expansion would combat the city’s affordable housing shortage and add density to neighborhoods but say construction costs can rise quickly, making it difficult for some property owners.

‘Maybe we’ll get a dry one next year.’ Rain spoils the NASCAR Chicago Street Race again.Chicago Tribune, July 7, 2024

Fans — and once again, rain — flooded downtown Chicago Sunday for the NASCAR Chicago Street Race weekend’s main event, the Grant Park 165.

Special Reports

2024 Illinois General Election Results

In what was a bad showing for Democrats nationally, Illinois Democrats held onto all their Congressional seats and appear likely to keep their current General Assembly makeup following the November 5 general election. At the presidential level, Vice President Kamala...

read more

2024 Illinois General Election Preview

Following is a complete listing of the U.S. presidential and vice presidential, Congressional, Illinois Senate, Illinois House, and Illinois Supreme Court races in the November 5, 2024 general election. Results will be sent out following the election. U.S. President...

read more

2024 General Election Key Races

FUNDRAISING TOTALS UPDATED: July 25 at 12:39PM Illinois Senate 40th Senate District Patrick Joyce (D) (i) - $3,950,201.04 Philip Nagel (R) - $91,103.35   19th Senate District Michael E. Hastings (D) (i) - $1,536,679.45 Samantha Jean Gasca (R) - $9,616.20  ...

read more

2024 Illinois General Election Preview

U.S. President Kamala Harris (D) **Presumptive Nominee Donald J. Trump (R) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Independent) Jill Stein (Green) Scott Schluter (Libertarian) Congressional Representatives 1st Congressional District Jonathan L. Jackson (D) (i) Marcus Lewis (R) 2nd...

read more

2024 Illinois End of Session Legislative Report

FY 2025 Budget  SB 251 (Sims/Gordon-Booth) creates the FY 2025 state budget. After three consecutive years of strong revenue growth, FY 2025 revenues are projected to be relatively similar to the previous fiscal year, which led to contentious budget negotiations....

read more

FY 2025 Illinois Budget Bills & End of Session Packages

FY 2025 Budget   SB 251 (Sims/Gordon-Booth) creates the FY 2025 state budget. After three consecutive years of strong revenue growth, FY 2025 revenues are projected to be relatively similar to the previous fiscal year, which led to contentious budget...

read more

Previous Reports

Third Reading Report: December 23, 2024

NOTE: We will not put out a weekly update on Monday, December 30 or Monday, January 6 due to the holidays. Illinois Legislative News Lame Duck and 2025 General Assembly Session Preview Following veto session at the end of November, the Illinois House and Senate released their calendar for the 2025 regular session. Both chambers also flagged January 2 through 7 as tentative dates for a lame duck session of the outgoing 103rd General Assembly. House and Senate leadership recently finalized the...

read more

Third Reading Report: December 16, 2024

COGFA Annual Pension Update On Monday, the Commission of Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) released their FY 2024 pension briefing. As of June 30, 2024 all five state retirement systems had actuarial (five-year smoothed) assets of $122.009B and unfunded liabilities of $144.305B for a combined funded ratio of 45.8%. Assets are up 5.74% and unfunded liabilities are up 2.06% over FY 2023. The actuarial funded ratio of the state pension system increased by 0.9% since the end of FY...

read more

Third Reading Report: December 9, 2024

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...

read more
Third Reading Consulting Group | Illinois Lobbying & Government Affairs