After a turbulent end to the 2024 regular session of the Illinois General Assembly, Gov. J.B. Pritzker began signing some of the bills passed by both chambers. Of the 469 total bills passed this year, the governor has signed 10 so far. Notably, Gov. Pritzker signed the FY 2025 Budget (SB 251), FY 2025 BIMP (HB 4959), and Workers Compensation Omnibus (SB 1996) on June 5. He then signed the Revenue Omnibus (HB 4951), Medicaid Omnibus (SB 3268) and Bond Authorization Act of 2024 (HB 4582) on June 7.
The General Assembly has 30 days from the date of passage to send the remaining bills that passed to the governor. Upon receiving bills from the General Assembly, Gov. Pritzker has 60 days to sign, veto, or issue an amendatory veto for each bill. If the governor does not act on a bill within the 60-day timeframe, the bill automatically becomes law.
Following the 2024 election, the House and Senate will return to Springfield for a two-week fall veto session from November 12 to 14 and November 19 to 21. See the attached House and Senate veto session calendars.
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
Illinois families to see new child tax credit – WGEM, June 13, 2024
Illinois parents struggling to make ends meet could be getting some help as the state’s fiscal year 2025 budget includes a new child tax credit.
Illinois Treasurer celebrates $2 billion returned to citizens through I-CASH program – WAND, June 13, 2024
The Illinois Treasurer’s office has returned over $2 billion to people across the state since 2015. Michael Frerichs told reporters in Chicago Thursday that he will continue to fight to return unclaimed property and help people have more money in their pocket.
McCombie believes voters will have budget concerns at ballot box – The Daily Line, June 14, 2024
The business of the General Assembly is in the rearview mirror for 2024 and legislative leaders are laser focused on elections this November. As House Minority Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) tries to dig her caucus’ way out of their super minority status, she believes voters will share her party’s concerns about the recently approved state budget.
Tim Mapes, former Madigan chief of staff, reports to federal prison – Chicago Tribune, June 12, 2024
Tim Mapes, 69, Madigan’s fierce gatekeeper for decades, reported Tuesday to a medium-security federal prison in Pensacola, Florida, to begin serving his 30-month sentence for perjury, according to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
Hearing officer recommends elections board dismiss illegal coordination complaint against Dan Proft, Darren Bailey – Chicago Tribune, June 11, 2024
A hearing officer has recommended that the Illinois State Board of Elections dismiss a complaint filed by the state Democratic Party contending political operative and right-wing radio show host Dan Proft and former state Sen. Darren Bailey coordinated campaign spending in Bailey’s unsuccessful 2022 race against Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Another Effort Underway to Remove Tracy as GOP Chairman – The Illinoize, June 12, 2024
A group of Illinois Republican State Central Committeemen and Committeewomen is working to oust Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy, multiple sources tell The Illinoize.
Study: Tort reform would save Illinoisans nearly $1,900 a year – The Center Square, June 12, 2024
A new study claims that lawsuit abuse is threatening the Illinois economy and making life more expensive for every Illinois resident. The group Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse reports in 2023, excessive tort litigation cost over 215,000 jobs in Illinois, and cost state and local governments more than $2 million in lost revenue.
Illinois Chamber opposes several measures headed for Pritzker’s desk – The Center Square, June 12, 2024
Illinois business groups are opposed to measures they say are prohibitive to job creators and business owners but could expand employee privacy and address political and religious speech in the workplace.
Some question ‘investments’ in Illinois’ state budget – Cities 929, June 12, 2024
Democratic budget negotiators say they are putting substantial investments into Illinois’ future, but some question whether spending more taxpayer money is really investing. In just over two weeks, Illinois’ new budget will take effect. Last week, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the largest spending plan in state history, which he said also expands and creates new programs.
Illinois’ minimum wage isn’t going up July 1, but several locations will see a change – NBC Chicago, June 12, 2024
Illinois’ minimum wage may not be going up at the start of July, but some locations will still be seeing a raise. That’s because both Chicago and Cook County are set to see hikes in their minimum wages. Statewide, a 2024 minimum wage increase took effect on Jan. 1, when the state’s minimum wage climbed to $14 an hour.
Bears CEO Kevin Warren acknowledges state’s funding priorities but believes stadium project should be included – The Daily Line, June 12, 2024
Bears CEO Kevin Warren acknowledged funding priorities that Illinois elected officials have said take precedence over an NFL stadium but reiterated his commitment to forging ahead in the coming months to convince the state to give the NFL’s charter franchise money for a new home.
More than $20M in state funds going to City of Springfield. Here’s how it will be used – The State Journal-Register, June 11, 2024
After hinting at its possibility earlier in May, Pritzker signed the $53.1 billion budget for fiscal year 2025 on last week which included $4 million to design and construct a park at the grass lot north of the Governor’s Mansion.
Jim Dey | Virtue is being crushed by Illinois’ tax vice – The News-Gazette, June 12, 2024
It’s the new way of Illinois — where vice has become a virtue by virtue of the tax revenue it generates. But there’s a problem — Illinois needs more to supplement the revenue generated by the state’s Big Three tax sources — personal and corporate income taxes and sales taxes. Pritzker and legislators recently sealed the deal on a $53.1 billion budget for the new fiscal year that begins July 1 by approving even higher taxes on sports wagering and video gambling.
Pritzker signs partnership MOU at US-Canada Summit – Muddy River News, June 11, 2024
This week, Governor JB Pritzker joined state economic leaders and Canadian business and government leaders for business development events in Ontario. First, Governor Pritzker and Premier Doug Ford held a public Memorandum of Understanding Signing where both executives made remarks highlighting the rich trade history between the regions.
Inside Illinois’ biggest budget ever: What’s funded, and where the money is coming from – WBEZ Chicago, June 10, 2024
Illinois just passed its biggest budget ever, surpassing $50 billion in state spending for the next fiscal year. Governor JB Pritzker touts the budget’s advantages for families, with funding in areas like education, the child services department, and the state’s first ever child tax credit.
Curran believes spring session allowed Republicans to take ‘big step forward’ to gain voters’ support – The Daily Line, June 11, 2024
Senate Minority Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove) believes Illinois Republicans took a “big step forward” this spring to win over voters in November as Republicans pushed to move the needle on Prisoner Review Board reform and growing dissent among Democrats over the budget.
Why Illinois’ governor is counting on Wisconsin to maintain a ‘blue wall’ in the Midwest – Spectrum News 1, June 10, 2024
Wisconsin Democrats hosted their state party convention in Milwaukee over the weekend to draw a contrast between the Republican’s national convention that is a little more than a month away. To help show what the party believes is at stake, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker lent his voice to the effort, and before taking the stage on Saturday night, sat down for a one-on-one interview with Spectrum News 1 Political Anchor Anthony DaBruzzi to discuss the impact of having both presidential nominating conventions in neighboring states.
Biz leaders give Pritzker, legislators solid marks after spring session – Crain’s Chicago Business, June 10, 2024
A series of tax hikes aimed largely at business garnered headlines in the just-ended spring session of the General Assembly, with lawmakers imposing or extending roughly $900 million in levies. But Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office is arguing business actually had a pretty good session overall. And, in a bit of a eyebrow-raiser, key business leaders say they agree — up to a point.
McCombie, Halpin on Illinois budget, taxes – Our Quad Cities, June 9, 2024
Illinois’ $53-billion budget is now the law for the state. Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the spending plan sent to him by state lawmakers a few days earlier. It raises spending by $1.1 billion over the last fiscal year.
Gov. Pritzker heading to Canada to discuss trade and tech opportunities – Capitol City Now, June 7, 2024
Gov. JB Pritzker is traveling to Canada next week on a trade mission, where he will provide the keynote address at the 2024 U.S.-Canada Summit. The event brings together decision makers to promote and discuss joint opportunities in trade, tech innovation, energy and the environment.
Breaking down partisan talking points on the state budget – Chicago Sun-Times, June 7, 2024
We are living in a time when bipartisanship is passe, and dissonance between Democrats and Republicans over every meaningful piece of public policy is the norm. For instance, consider the state’s FY 2025 General Fund budget that passed on a purely partisan basis and was signed this week by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. No Republicans supported the $53.1 billion spending plan.
State Week: The governor signs the new budget – WSIU, June 7, 2024
Just a week after lawmakers approved a new budget plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed it into law. It wasn’t an easy process as Republicans and even some Democrats worry it spends too much money. But Pritzker touts it as an example of fiscal responsibility.
Gov. Pritzker enacts $750 million tax increase bill – The Center Square, June 7, 2024
Now law is the $750 million in tax increases to fund Illinois’ largest spending plan in state history. But so is a measure increasing the state’s debt by $8 billion while giving schools more taxing authority. Pritzker signed the $53.1 billion budget Wednesday. Friday, he signed the tax measure that includes capping the credit businesses can get for claiming net operating losses and capping the discount retailers get for collecting and remitting sales taxes.
Workers helping Illinois’ disabled population see raise in state budget, but some hoped for more – WCIA, June 8, 2024
Illinois care workers for the disabled population are getting an increase in their pay in the upcoming year, but not as much as they wanted. “$1, it’ll make a little bit of a difference, but I don’t know that it’s going to make a tremendous difference,” Tasha Haney, a direct support professional from Springfield, said. Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) work with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to assist them with tasks in their everyday lives like getting dressed, taking their medicines, and cooking and cleaning.
Welch not worried about any fractions in caucus over budget votes – The Daily Line, June 10, 2024
House Democrats have generally got on board with state budget bills in recent years, but it was notable when multiple Democrats opposed this year’s budget and nearly sank a plan to increase taxes on businesses to help pay for the spending. In an interview with The Daily Line last week, House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) explained he knew the vote margins on the budget would be slim and said the differences of opinion within his caucus on fiscal policy are a sign of strength.
Mayor announces first projects to receive money through Housing and Economic Development bond program – The Daily Line, June 14, 2024
The mayor announced the first recipients of his signature Housing and Economic Development Bond program on Thursday. A community farm in West Englewood and an Austin health center are each set to receive $5 million to assist with construction costs, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced at a news conference.
CTA Second Chance trainees say they faced discipline after complaining of burns from caustic cleaners – Chicago Sun-Times, June 14, 2024
But then he and others doing the exterior washing say the harsh cleaning solutions caused chemical burns on their hands, arms and elsewhere that required emergency medical care. And, when they reported that, asking for time away from working with the harsh chemicals, their CTA supervisor sent them home and referred them for disciplinary action, according to documents reviewed by the Chicago Sun-Times and interviews.
News in brief: Mayor stands by stalled CCPSA appointment; BACP commissioner announces retirement – The Daily Line, June 14, 2024
The mayor told reporters Wednesday he continues to support the appointment of a current aldermanic staff member to the civilian police oversight commission, and the commissioner for the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection is retiring.
Lightfoot to be visiting professor at University of Michigan – Chicago Tribune, June 13, 2024
Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is adding another line to her post-City Hall resume. Lightfoot will join the University of Michigan’s Ford School of Public Policy as a visiting professor in the fall, the school wrote in a news release.
Chicago’s reputation at stake as big summer begins – Crain’s Chicago Business, June 13, 2024
Chicago is about to find itself in one of the biggest and longest-lasting media and tourism spotlights the city has ever seen. Its reputation to visitors, businesses, meeting planners and the rest of the world is at stake.
City Council approves noise regulations around West Loop abortion clinic, delays vote on measure banning lobbyists from giving to mayoral campaigns – The Daily Line, June 13, 2024
Two alderpeople postponed a vote on a measure to codify prohibitions on lobbyist donations to mayoral campaigns at City Council Wednesday, and the council also approved a measure that places noise regulations around a West Loop abortion clinic after it faced its own delay last month.
Alderman after retaliatory vote stall: ‘If you hit me with a bat, I’m going to shoot you with a gun’ – Chicago Tribune, June 12, 2024
Tempers remained fairly calm as the Chicago City Council met Wednesday. That is, until aldermen got to a back room immediately after the meeting. There, Ald. Daniel La Spata, 1st, raced over to Ald. David Moore, 17th, to ask Moore why he had blocked two seemingly uncontroversial proposals of La Spata’s aimed at adding housing in Logan Square.
Chicago’s fastest-growing companies for 2024 – Crain’s Chicago Business, June 12, 2024
Organic growth, acquisitions and expansion: Those were some of the factors behind the tremendous growth of the companies on Crain’s 2024 Fast 50. This year’s winners saw five-year median revenue growth of an impressive 505% and an average revenue increase of 2,375%, driven by the enormous growers topping our list. Logistics, construction and consumer service sectors lead the way, with six companies apiece.
Johnson’s push to replace chief procurement officer hits another snag – Crain’s Chicago Business, June 12, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson has reached a severance agreement with the city’s chief procurement officer, but the settlement package was delayed at the City Council today.
CTA, Metra and Pace could launch day pass to be used across all three transit systems – Chicago Tribune, June 12, 2024
A new day pass could soon allow CTA, Metra, and Pace users to pay for rides across all three systems’ buses and trains, a step toward long-awaited complete integration of fares among the region’s transit agencies.
Dozens of supporters hail convicted ex-Ald. Ed Burke as devoted public servant – The Chicago Tribune, June 11, 2024
A flood of letters made public this week reinforced what nearly everyone in Chicago already knows: Ed Burke was an extremely powerful man. But in contrast to the sweeping corruption for which the ex-alderman was convicted last year, the supporters who wrote in hopes of a lenient sentence said, over and over, that Burke used his clout for good.
Zoning committee hears about successes, challenges of ADU pilot as council considers measure to expand ADUs citywide – The Daily Line, June 12, 2024
The Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards held a subject matter hearing Tuesday on the proposal from Ald. Bennett Lawson (44), the acting zoning chair, to expand the allowance of additional dwelling units (ADUs) citywide while adding and changing some rules in response to things learned during a pilot period.
Finance committee approves bond issuances for LaSalle Reimagined housing projects, TIF dollars for multiple park district projects – The Daily Line, June 11, 2024
The City Council Committee on Finance Monday approved various measures allocating tax increment financing (TIF) dollars to citywide projects and bond issuances for office space-to-housing conversions downtown. Alderpeople approved bond issuances for two of the four LaSalle Reimagined projects. LaSalle Reimagined seeks to repurpose spaces in the LaSalle Street corridor for new uses to respond to office and retail vacancies spurred by the pandemic.
Chicago weighs up to $3 billion of debt for O’Hare upgrades – Crain’s Chicago Business, June 10, 2024
The city of Chicago hopes to sell $3 billion worth of bonds related to O’Hare International Airport as it gets ready to begin major construction on the next phase of a long-awaited terminal overhaul. The city and the airlines recently reached and agreement to move ahead with the replacement of Terminal 2 and the addition of two satellite concourses off Terminal 1, the first construction of a new terminal at O’Hare in more than 30 years. Now they have to pay for it.
Editorial: Federal prosecutors: Edward M. Burke deserves 10 years in prison for corruption – Chicago Sun-Times, June 11, 2024
Federal prosecutors say ex-Ald. Edward M. Burke should be sentenced to 10 years in prison this month for illegally wielding his considerable clout to strong-arm developers and threaten one of Chicago’s cultural icons for his own benefit. That would amount to one of the harshest public corruption sentences handed down in the city’s federal court in the last decade. That’s especially true for Burke, who turned 80 a week after his conviction last December.
Mayor Johnson opposes 8 p.m. downtown curfew for minors – Chicago Sun-Times, June 10, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson on Monday put the political kibosh on a political ally’s plan to impose an 8 p.m. curfew for unaccompanied minors in downtown Chicago. Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd) Johnson’s handpicked chair of the City Council’s Public Safety Committee, floated the idea in response to the violent attack by a group of teens on a couple in Streeterville on May 31.
Finance committee to consider bond issuances for LaSalle Reimagined housing projects – The Daily Line, June 10, 2024
The City Council Committee on Finance will meet Monday and hold two public hearings plus a regular meeting to consider its routine matters. The regular agenda includes various measures allocating tax increment financing (TIF) dollars to citywide projects, bond issuances for office space-to-housing conversions and millions of dollars in proposed settlement agreements in police misconduct cases. Finance committee business begins at 10 a.m. in council chambers.
‘This will not be 1968.’ Chicago police prepare for DNC as whole world watches once again. – Chicago Tribune, June 9, 2024
It’s not 1968. But after anti-war, pro-Palestinian demonstrations roiled college campuses this spring and led to clashes between protesters and police, the specter of the chaos surrounding that summer’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago looms as the party returns in August to mark the renomination of President Joe Biden.
Chicago’s CEOs and non-CEOs saw incomes soar last year – Crain’s Chicago Business, June 10, 2024
This year’s list of Chicago’s 25 Highest-Paid CEOs features some new faces, namely Githesh Ramamurthy of CCC Intelligent Solutions and Dave Flitman of US Foods. Ramamurthy leads the pack with 2023 total compensation of $54.5 million, largely attributable to the $53.6 million he accrued from stock awards.
