The regular session of the 2024 Illinois General Assembly adjourned for summer in the early morning hours on Wednesday, May 29. The Senate completed all their business and adjourned on Sunday, May 26. The House went home for the weekend on Saturday, May 25 before returning to Springfield on Tuesday to conclude their work. After some end of session chaos, legislators passed the FY 2025 budget package and other key bills in the final few days of session. The General Assembly is expected to return to Springfield for a fall veto session later this year. Dates have not been announced yet.
Find summaries of the FY 2025 Budget, BIMP, Revenue Omnibus, Local Government Tax Omnibus, Bond Authorization Act of 2024, DCEO Omnibus, Procurement Omnibus, Medicaid Omnibus, health insurance reform package, Elections Omnibus, carbon capture and sequestration regulation bill, Worker’s Compensation Omnibus, TIF Extension Omnibus, Sunset Extension Omnibus, and Task Force Omnibus attached.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
November 5 – 2024 General Election
Fall 2024 – Veto Session
In the News
Ban on ‘captive audience’ meetings, AI regulations among 466 bills to pass this session – Capitol News Illinois, May 31, 2024
A bill banning what unions refer to as employer-sponsored “captive audience” meetings about religion and politics has cleared both chambers of the General Assembly. It was one of 466 measures to do so during the Illinois legislature’s recently concluded spring session, including measures targeting artificial intelligence and allowing for digital driver’s licenses.
Speaker Pro Tem Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-Peoria) on the budget – Capitol City Now, May 30, 2024
WTAX’s Dave Dahl talked with Speaker Pro Tem Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-Peoria) about this year’s state budget.
Illinois budget includes $20M aimed at repairing cuts to sexual assault crisis services – NBC Chicago, May 30, 2024
When state lawmakers in Springfield approved a spending plan in the wee hours of the morning this week, it included a $20 million injection of funds meant to shore up federal cuts that led to layoffs and forced rape crisis centers across Illinois to close.
IL Soybean Association Disappointed in AG Budget Cuts – Brownfield, May 30, 2024
The director of government relations and strategy at the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) says he’s disappointed in several aspects of the new 53.1-billion-dollar state budget. Andrew Larson tells Brownfield… “We’re also concerned to see a four million plus dollar cut to Soil and Water Conservation districts across the state,” he says.
Senator Turner designates soybean as official state bean – WAND, May 30, 2024
New legislation that would designate the soybean as the official state bean of Illinois, has passed through the Senate. State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) was a big supporter of the bill.
IL Chamber rains on guv’s parade – Capitol City Now, May 30, 2024
As Illinois political watchers observed Wednesday’s debate over the budget, many already are singling out the remarks of State Rep. Fred Crespo (D-Hoffman Estates) as he warned of difficult financial times ahead: “There’s really only one place you can look at, getting these revenues.
Illinois politicians react to Donald Trump guilty verdict – WCIA, May 30, 2024
Several Illinois politicians on both sides of the aisle are reacting to former President Donald Trump’s guilty convictions in his hush money criminal case.
Amid presidential chatter, Gov. Pritzker will address Wisconsin Democrats at annual convention – Chicago Sun-Times, May 30, 2024
Gov. J.B. Pritzker plans to talk about the threat to “fundamental freedoms” that another Donald Trump presidency poses to the country in a speech before the Democratic Party of Wisconsin next month, as he further expands his political footprint outside of Illinois.
With Supreme Court decision on bribery imminent, judge puts off rulings in case against former executive connected to Madigan – Chicago Tribune, May 30, 2024
A federal judge on Thursday put off ruling on key evidentiary issues in the upcoming trial of a former AT&T Illinois president accused of bribing then-House Speaker Michael Madigan, saying it made more sense to wait to see how the U.S. Supreme Court comes down in a case that could fundamentally alter a federal bribery statute.
Illinois House ekes out $53.1 billion budget, hits state with more than $700 million in tax hikes – Chicago Sun-Times, May 29, 2024
Instead of delivering a decisive victory to Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Democrats stood on the Illinois House floor scratching their heads early Wednesday as they searched for a key vote needed to pass the state’s budget.
Pritzker ‘pleased’ with $53.1 billion budget on his desk – WCIA, May 30, 2024
After an all-nighter of legislative work in Springfield, Governor J.B. Pritzker is celebrating the accomplishments the Illinois General Assembly will fund in the latest budget. The $53.1 billion budget passed the Senate Sunday night and the House of Representatives early Wednesday morning. Later Wednesday morning, Pritzker held a news conference, where he said the budget “continues our track record of fiscal responsibility.”
After Democratic blow up, Pritzker keeps criticism focused on Republicans – The Daily Line, May 30, 2024
Gov. JB Pritzker has enjoyed mostly uniform support from Democrats, particularly in the House, on state budgets since he took office and began untangling the budget mess he inherited. But the budget put in front of lawmakers on Wednesday morning, which was about $400 million larger than what Pritzker asked for, was too much for several Democrats and it nearly caused the revenue plan proposed by Pritzker to fail.
A look at what Illinois lawmakers passed during the spring session – Axios Chicago, May 30, 2024
The General Assembly’s deadline for the spring legislative session is Friday, but lawmakers have already passed several bills over the last three months, including a proposed $53 billion budget.
Illinois will soon have a new child tax credit program. Here’s how much you could get – NBC Chicago, May 30, 2024
Illinois’ new budget, which is now headed to the governor’s desk waiting to be signed, includes a measure that would give families in the state a “child tax credit.” The measure, which was approved as part of the budget from both the Senate and the House this week, would give millions in funds to create a new child tax credit for families in the state.
Illinois lawmakers quietly extend cellular law part of AT&T-Michael Madigan bribery case – Chicago Tribune, May 29, 2024
Illinois lawmakers quietly voted in the closing days of their spring legislative session to approve a five-year extension of a 2018 cellular communications law that federal prosecutors say was a product of AT&T Illinois’ alleged scheme to bribe then-House Speaker Michael Madigan.
Badger booster? Pritzker to address Wisconsin Democrats at state convention – fueling presidential buzz – Chicago Sun-Times, May 29, 2024
Gov. J.B. Pritzker plans to talk about the threat to “fundamental freedoms” that another Donald Trump presidency poses to the country in a speech before the Democratic Party of Wisconsin next month, as he further expands his political footprint outside of Illinois.
Rebellious House Dems force 3 attempts to pass $1.1B tax hike plan overnight – The Daily Line, May 29, 2024
House Democrats’ plan to pass budget bills early Wednesday nearly exploded into disaster around 4 a.m. after multiple failed attempts to pass a $1.1 billion revenue package featuring numerous new tax hikes on largely on businesses to fund the budget.
Dwindling tax revenues could endanger Illinois’ fiscal health – The Center Square, May 28, 2024
As Illinois lawmakers prepare to approve a state budget, there are some dark clouds forming on the horizon in regards to the state’s fiscal health. According to an analysis from The Pew Charitable Trusts, dwindling tax revenues, population loss and an inadequate rainy day fund could spell trouble.
Welch: ‘No one’s ever said the House is boring’ – Capitol Fax, May 29, 2024
House Speaker Chris Welch speaking before adjournment… “Thank you, Madam Speaker, members of the House. No matter what the other chamber says, no one’s ever said the House is boring. The House is definitely not boring.”
Lawyers for ex-AT&T boss object to Madigan evidence at upcoming trial – Chicago Tribune, May 28, 2024
Lawyers for the ex-president of AT&T Illinois are seeking to bar key evidence in his upcoming bribery trial, arguing in a recent filing that prosecutors have failed to identify any conspiracy to “corruptly” influence then-House Speaker Michael Madigan to win passage of key legislation in Springfield.
Senate approves budget with House set to close session Wednesday following days of negotiations – The Daily Line, May 28, 2024
The Senate voted 38-21 on Sunday to pass a $53.1 billion budget alongside new tax hikes to close seven straight days of session caused by disagreement over budget details.
Illinois House takes up austere budget this week – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 28, 2024
After a marathon Memorial Day weekend in Springfield, the Illinois Senate sent a $53 billion budget to the House, where the chamber is expected to take up the bill this afternoon without changes.
Illinois Senate approves state budget with $750 million in tax hikes, measure now moves to the House – Chicago Tribune, May 26, 2024
Illinois Senate Democrats on Sunday approved a $53.1 billion state spending plan, keeping much of fellow Democrat Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s original proposal in place but boosting expected spending by $400 million while also giving themselves, House representatives and many top state officials a 5% bump in pay.
Illinois moves forward with tax incentive extensions – Our QC News, May 28, 2024
Illinois is moving forward with a package of tax incentive extensions. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Steve Stadelman, includes the state’s credits for electric vehicle companies. Stadelman credits the incentives for keeping the Stellantis factory open in his district while increasing production in the area.
Illinois Republicans go all in for Trump at state convention – Chicago Tribune, May 25, 2024
Illinois Republicans used their state convention Saturday to go all in for former President Donald Trump’s election this fall, adopting a platform attacking Democrats for supporting abortion rights, eliminating cash bail and promoting transgender identity.
Political operative charged with sending obscene messages to state senator – WGN, May 26, 2024
WGN Investigates has learned a top aide to a state representative who abruptly resigned in April has now been charged with sending obscene and harassing messages to a rival state senator. The text messages sent to State Sen. Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort) included fake sexually explicit images of Hastings, Gov. JB Pritzker and other elected officials, according to a source.
Prairie Band Potawatomi land deal clears Senate, will head back to House – Capitol News Illinois, May 26, 2024
The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation is a step closer to acquiring a 1,500-acre state park in DeKalb County, much of which was once part of a reservation that was illegally seized from the tribe in the mid-19th century.
Illinois Labor and Human Rights Leaders Applaud Passage of the Illinois Worker Freedom of Speech Act (SB3649) – The Southland Journal, May 26, 2024
Earlier today, the Illinois General Assembly passed legislation to protect workers from unwanted or offensive political and religious speech unrelated to job performance. If signed, Illinois would be the 8th state to enact legislation with these protections.
Despite lackluster response to his Springfield agenda, Mayor Brandon Johnson vows: ‘We keep demanding’ – Chicago Tribune, May 31, 2024
When Brandon Johnson visited the Illinois State Capitol as mayor-elect, he emphatically rejected the notion that Chicago and Springfield had competing agendas. A little over a year later, the mayor has learned Illinois lawmakers still regard those choices as true.
Russian propaganda push expected in Chicago for Democratic National Convention, experts say – Chicago Sun-Times, May 31, 2024
When the Democratic National Convention hits Chicago in August, demonstrators are expected to take to the streets to draw attention to a wide range of causes — immigration, police misconduct, abortion, the wars in Gaza and Ukraine.
City Hall watchdog warns CPD’s security plans for DNC protests could inflame tensions – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 30, 2024
With less than three months to go before the Democratic National Convention, the Chicago Police Department’s plan for mass gatherings isn’t ready for prime time, according to a report released today by the city’s Office of Inspector General.
CTA chief gives defiant speech as City Council mulls call for his firing – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 30, 2024
Under fire from the City Council pushing for his ouster, Chicago Transit Authority President Dorval Carter defended himself today, arguing his personal background and long career at the agency are critical to navigating its litany of challenges. The embattled transit chief said the criticism of his leadership stems from being the agency’s first Black president, noting the leaders of Metra and Pace, who are white, don’t face the same level of criticism.
Transit board’s newest member defends Carter, bringing community voices onboard – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 31, 2024
On May 15, the Cook County Board of Commissioners weighed the appointment of John Yonan to the Regional Transportation Authority’s board. “I’m skeptical,” said Commissioner Sean Morrison. The commissioners erupted in laughter.
CPD misconduct records to be searchable by officer name – Chicago Tribune, May 30, 2024
The Chicago Police Department will soon bolster its public database of misconduct investigation files to make the records more searchable, leaders of the CPD and Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability announced Thursday.
The Bears and Sox may have come up empty in Springfield — but the game isn’t over – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 30, 2024
The Chicago Bears and White Sox insist they’re sticking with their pitches for billions of dollars in public stadium subsidies despite coming up empty in the just-completed spring legislative session in Springfield. And there’s reason to believe they may get a more favorable hearing come autumn.
Northwestern reveals design for temporary football stadium – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 30, 2024
Northwestern University today unveiled a rendering for its temporary football stadium on campus as it awaits construction on the new $800 million Ryan Field. The temporary stadium will be constructed at the Lanny & Sharon Martin athletics facility, which sits on the school’s campus along Lake Michigan, and will host the majority of the team’s home football games.
News in brief: Transportation committee to hold CTA hearing with embattled agency president; Groundbreaking held on Milwaukee Avenue project – The Daily Line, May 30, 2024
Alderpeople will get a chance to grill the president of the city’s public transit agency at a committee hearing Thursday, and the mayor and a key council ally hosted a groundbreaking for a Logan Square public improvement project.
ShotSpotter says it has offered to install tech around United Center ahead of 2024 Chicago DNC – ABC 7 Chicago, May 30, 2024
ShotSpotter is looking to expand its footprint in Chicago in advance of the Democratic National Convention. Advocates say it could help with security. ShotSpotter says it has offered to install its gunshot detection technology around the United Center for free. The company believes it could help supplement the security during the Chicago DNC.
$27 million streetscape project will transform Logan Square, officials say – Chicago Sun-Times, May 29, 2024
Shortly after taking office at the tender age of 26, Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35th) was approached by Logan Square Preservation, a nonprofit charged with preserving the historic architecture and culture of the burgeoning neighborhood.
Evanston’s reparations program violates equal protection in U.S. Constitution, lawsuit claims – Chicago Sun-Times, May 29, 2024
A conservative group has filed a class-action lawsuit against the city of Evanston arguing that the north suburb’s reparations program meant to repay historical wrongs against Black residents violates the U.S. Constitution.
DuPage County clerk controversy prompts push for change in state law – Daily Herald, May 29, 2024
DuPage County Board Chair Deborah Conroy enlisted the help of state lawmakers to make it clear that countywide elected officials, such as the county clerk, need to follow state bidding laws and seek county board approval for certain budget transfers.
North Lawndale Residents Push Back Against Proposed Logistics Hub Amid Environmental, Traffic Concerns – WTTW, May 29, 2024
Developers are pumping the brakes on plans for a controversial logistics and distribution hub in North Lawndale. It comes after residents pushed back on the plan, citing the environmental impact of the demolition and the health implications that could come with increased truck traffic.
DNC in Chicago will lose some luster as Democrats plan to virtually nominate President Joe Biden before convention – Chicago Tribune, May 28, 2024
Less than three months before the Democratic National Convention comes to Chicago, the event is already losing a significant portion of its celebratory luster as national Democrats on Tuesday said they plan to virtually nominate President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris before the convention to comply with ballot access laws in the crucial swing state of Ohio.
CTA could provide up to 250 buses for use during the DNC. Will that leave enough for regular bus service? – Chicago Tribune, May 28, 2024
The CTA has committed to providing as many as 250 buses for use during the Democratic National Convention this summer, even though the agency has faced staff shortages that led to service cuts in recent years. Designating buses for the convention has some advocates concerned.
Environment committee to consider measure to create anti-littering ad campaign and hold hearing on ComEd heat emergency preparedness – The Daily Line, May 29, 2024
The City Council’s environment committee meeting will meet Wednesday to hold a subject matter hearing on Commonwealth Edison’s preparedness ahead of summer and to vote on the creation of a citywide advertising campaign for reducing litter.
Chicago police oversight chief questions why cops in Dexter Reed shooting still have police powers – Chicago Sun-Times, May 28, 2024
The head of Chicago’s police oversight agency has again pushed the city’s top cop to strip the police powers of four officers who were involved in the deadly gunfight that claimed the life of Dexter Reed, spurring protests and drawing a national spotlight earlier this year.
Sueños Music Festival attendees respond to partial ticket refunds for Sunday’s rain-infused event – Chicago Sun-Times, May 28, 2024
After thunderstorms delayed the festival’s start by several hours on Sunday and eventually caused its hours-early end time, Sueños organizers are providing attendees who purchased their wristbands through Front Gate Tickets a 25% refund within 30 days, according to an email sent to customers.
Legislature won’t act on Bears’ stadium funding request this spring, lawmakers say – Chicago Tribune, May 25, 2024
The Chicago Bears’ appeal for more than $2 billion in public assistance to build a new domed stadium on a reimagined lakefront is on hold until at least the fall, high-ranking Democratic lawmakers confirmed Saturday.
Pastor Criticized For No Transit Experience Withdraws From RTA Board Nomination – Block Club Chicago, May 24, 2024
West Side pastor Ira J. Acree is taking his name out of consideration for an influential transit board seat, saying those critical of his lack of professional experience for the role are “opponents of African American empowerment.”
West Loop assessments show Kaegi’s rosier view of downtown offices – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 24, 2024
Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi has issued the first batch of numbers showing what he thinks has happened to downtown office building values over the past three years. Like most of his previous work, the data isn’t sitting well with landlords.
Partial closures of DuSable Lake Shore Drive begin for pavement repairs – Chicago Sun-Times, May 27, 2024
Part of DuSable Lake Shore Drive has been shut down amid a series of lane closures this week for pavement repairs. Three southbound lanes from Irving Park Road to La Salle Drive were closed from 7 p.m. Monday until 5 a.m. Tuesday, according to the Chicago Department of Transportation.
Report recommends investment in youth employment – The Center Square, May 27, 2024
A report by the University of Illinois-Chicago Great Cities Institute says that Black teens in Chicago are experiencing much higher jobless rates than other young people in Illinois. Lead researcher Matt Wilson said Black teens in Chicago have been disconnected from work and school at twice the rate they were in 2021.
Brandon Johnson’s City Hall gives $38.5 million to businesses tied to a North Side bar owner cited for improper lobbying – WBEZ, May 25, 2024
During Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s last year in office, one of her allies, Carmen Rossi, ran afoul of city lobbying rules. Rossi got fined $5,000. Lightfoot also gave back his campaign contributions. Under Mayor Brandon Johnson, records show that Rossi, who remains a registered lobbyist at City Hall, is in line for $38.5 million in taxpayer-funded city deals made over the past five months for himself, his business partners and clients.
City Council ethics chairman concerned about Mayor Brandon Johnson’s use of the city’s do-not-hire list – WBEZ, May 24, 2024
The chair of the City Council’s ethics committee wants department officials to testify on the city’s do-not-hire list after the placement of former staffers of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office “raised a lot of real questions and concerns.”
Lawmakers vote to name Loop high-rise after former Secretary of State Jesse White – Chicago Tribune, May 24, 2024
Lawmakers voted to name a state-owned Loop office building after Illinois’ longest-serving secretary of state, Jesse White. Set to turn 90 next month, White stood in the House chamber earlier this month before lawmakers voted to name the high-rise at 115 S. LaSalle St. the Jesse White State of Illinois Building.
A former DuPage County prosecutor accused of threatening state lawmakers, gun control groups on social media – Chicago Sun-Times, May 24, 2024
A former DuPage County prosecutor has been charged with threatening two state lawmakers and several gun control groups, and suggesting a bomb could go off at a downstate LGBTQ festival.
