On February 25, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Illinois Democratic Congress members sent a joint letter to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought demanding answers as to why the Trump administration has yet to release $1.88B of federal funding previously allocated to the state.
On January 28, an OMB memo froze federal grants, causing chaos amongst state governments, local governments, aid programs, and federal grant recipients. Two days later, after a federal judge temporarily blocked the freeze, President Donald Trump’s OMB rescinded the memo. Earlier on February 25, a federal judge extended the original block on President Trump’s federal funding freeze. Despite this, the funds intended for Illinois have not yet been disbursed, prompting the letter from Gov. Pritzker and the Democratic Congress members.
The letter highlights that 14 Illinois state agencies, boards, and commissions are awaiting a total of $1.88B in federal funds. Of that, $692M has been obligated but not received by nine state entities, while $1.19B has been awarded but not obligated by 10 other state agencies. As a result, critical state programs are in limbo as they await federal funds. The 14 impacted agencies are:
- Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
- Illinois Community College Board
- Illinois Emergency Management Agency
- Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
- Illinois Finance Authority
- Illinois Department of Human Rights
- Illinois Department of Natural Resources
- Illinois Power Agency
- Illinois Department of Transportation
- Illinois State Board of Education
- Illinois Commerce Commission
- Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities
- Illinois Department of Labor
- Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
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
DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick seeking GOP bid for Illinois governor in 2026 – Chicago Tribune, February 28, 2025
James Mendrick, who has been DuPage County sheriff since late 2018, announced Thursday he intends to run for the Republican nomination for Illinois governor in 2026 and not seek a third term as sheriff of the state’s second-largest county.
As IL Dems push for ‘progressive revenue,’ GOP wants organic economic growth – The Center Square, February 28, 2025
Democrats and Republicans have different ideas on how to increase tax revenue to spend in the annual Illinois state budget. State Rep. Will Davis, D-Hazel Crest, joined the Illinois Revenue Alliance Wednesday to push for finding what the group called “progressive revenue.” Davis said it wouldn’t be general tax increases.
IL House Republicans announce a package of bills to give ‘relief for working families’ – WAND News, February 28, 2025
In a set of bills, Illinois House Republicans gave an outline of programs they’d like to be signed into law to help working families. This includes a bill that follows one of President Donald Trump’s policies he promoted during the campaign trail, no tax on tips. Other bills hope to make it easier and cheaper for Illinoisan to go into trade school, like a plan that would allow skilled trade workers to teach without requiring a bachelors degree.
Duckworth lays into Trump over veteran layoffs: ‘middle finger to our heroes’ – Fox32 Chicago, February 28, 2025
A group of veterans and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth are speaking out against what they say are harmful job cuts affecting former service members under the leadership of President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk.
House Gun Violence Prevention Committee considers bill to increase transparency on unsolved homicide cases – The Daily Line, February 27, 2025
The House Gun Violence Prevention Committee heard subject matter on three bills Wednesday that would aim to increase transparency around gun violence, modify the firearm transfer fee and create a firearm insurance task force.
Ray LaHood and James Nowlan: Extreme gerrymandering is as bad as old white-only primaries – Chicago Tribune, February 27, 2025
Clever software, aided by hands-off decisions from the federal courts, has in recent years transformed decennial redistricting of legislative seats from a process of representing voters to that of effectively “unrepresenting” them — denying effective participation in elections for broad swaths of citizens. The consequences are, we contend, as anti-democratic as the reviled white-only primaries in the Old South.
Gov. JB Pritzker and state’s Democratic delegation in Washington say White House withholding $1.9 billion in federal funding – Chicago Tribune, February 27, 2025
“We have an obligation to Illinois taxpayers and residents to demand answers about the future of this funding,” the letter said, “including when the Trump Administration will follow the law and make good on the federal government’s promise to deliver hard-earned taxpayer dollars back into Illinois’ economy, workforce, and communities.”
Egg prices could jump another 41% this year, USDA says, as Trump’s bird flu plan unveiled – Chicago Tribune, February 27, 2025
The U.S. Agriculture Department predicts record egg prices could soar more than 40% in 2025, as the Trump administration offered the first new details Wednesday about its plan to battle bird flu and ease costs. With an emphasis on farms tightening their measures to prevent bird flu’s spread, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the USDA will invest another $1 billion on top of the roughly $2 billion it has already spent since the outbreak began in 2022.
Illinois AG calls on Congress to take action on rising retail crime – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 25, 2025
Illinois is among several states calling on the federal government to take action to combat rising retail theft, including an increase in cargo thefts along the supply chain that is further squeezing retailers.
Pritzker wants Dems to focus on ‘making it easier to just live a little more affordably’ – The State Journal-Register, February 26, 2025
The governor of Illinois has continued to garner attention with appearances on national news programs as he spoke with MSNBC this week — this time on a podcast.
Bill could ease requirements for emergency vehicle drivers living outside Illinois – WAND, February 25, 2025
A bill moving in Springfield could help address the shortage of emergency vehicle drivers across the state.
Pritzker positions himself at forefront of Trump opposition by invoking Nazis’ rise to power – Capitol News Illinois, February 25, 2025
Governor quest to project pragmatic progressivism present in budget, other policy proposals.
Illinois proposal could crack down on deceptive ticket practices, create consumer protections – WAND, February 25, 2025
An Illinois House Democrat hopes to create new consumer protections for ticket sales.
Jason House topples Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard in landslide – Chicago Sun-Times, February 25, 2025
With all precincts reporting, House had nearly 88% of the vote, compared to Henyard’s 12%. It was a convincing defeat for Henyard, who had won 82% of the vote when she won the race for mayor in 2021.
Richard Irvin and John Laesch lead in Aurora mayoral primary – Chicago Tribune, February 26, 2025
Unofficial results from Tuesday night show incumbent Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin and Ald. John Laesch leading to advance through the primary election to be on the April 1 ballot as mayoral candidates.
Cicero Primary Election: Incumbent Dominick defeats Rodriguez, will serve 5th straight term – WGN9, February 25, 2025
Incumbent Cicero Town President Larry Dominick will serve a fifth straight four-year term, defeating Esteban Rodriguez in the primary election Tuesday evening.
Former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar diagnosed with pancreatic cancer – ABC7, February 25, 2025
Former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he said. Edgar, a Republican, served as the 38th governor of Illinois from 1991 to 1999.
Illinois plans sale of $725 million in bonds for capital budget – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 25, 2025
Illinois is planning to sell $725 million in bonds backed by sales tax revenue for capital projects, according to a filing.The state, the lowest-rated among peers, issued on Friday a voluntary notice of the potential sale of so-called Build Illinois Bonds, which are among the main sources of funding for its long-term capital budget — helping to pay for roads, bridges, technology and other infrastructure investments.
Illinois looks to make delinquent tax sales fairer in wake of Supreme Court decision – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 25, 2025
Nearly three years after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the sale of delinquent property taxes — as it’s been practiced for decades — unconstitutionally takes away owners’ property wealth, a bill in Springfield aims to bring Illinois counties into compliance with the ruling. Illinois is the last of 12 states to look at becoming compliant.
Immigration group received over $63 million in Illinois taxpayer funds in 7 months – CNY Central, February 24, 2025
From July 2024 to February 2025, the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights has received over $63 million in Illinois taxpayer funds, according to the Illinois Comptroller vendor payment system. ICIRR received nearly $4 million of taxpayer money this month for Illinois Welcoming Centers.
Illinois bill could provide taxi, rideshare vouchers for sexual assault survivor healthcare – WAND, February 24, 2025
A new bill in Springfield could allow sexual assault survivors to use vouchers to pay for taxis or rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. Sponsors and advocates believe this is another way to help people going through trauma.
Gov. JB Pritzker turned heads by comparing Trump administration to Nazi Germany. But will voters be moved? – Chicago Tribune, February 23, 2025
For just over a half hour Wednesday, Gov. JB Pritzker’s combined budget and State of the State address followed an expected course, detailing spending and initiatives for a new budget year while warning of the economic uncertainty ahead for the state and its residents under President Donald Trump and his “haphazard ‘ready, fire, aim’ tactics toward everyday Americans.”
Democratic governors balance whether to fight or pacify after Donald Trump threatens one of their own – Chicago Tribune, February 21, 2025
President Donald Trump’s real-time confrontation with Maine’s governor over transgender athletes captured the conundrum many Democratic governors are facing in the Republican’s second term.
Ethics reform not likely to get passed in Springfield anytime soon – Chicago Sun-Times, February 21, 2025
“There’s a number of things that we have done that I think really changed the environment and have helped us get to the point that we’re at today,” Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch told columnist Rich Miller.
Illinois expanded tax credits for some workers and families but the money isn’t being claimed, experts say – Chicago Sun-Times, February 21, 2025
The child tax credit and an expanded earned income tax credit is expected to put more money back into filers’ wallets.
Embattled Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard faces election challenge from one of her ‘Dream Team’ members – Chicago Sun-Times, February 21, 2025
Trustee Jason House was part of Henyard’s “Dream Team” ticket in 2021, when she succeeded in her bid for mayor. Now he’s trying to oust her from her post.
Illinois budget proposal lacks increase for transportation and free-reduced lunch program – KBSI FOX 23, February 21, 2025
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker delivered his seventh state fiscal year budget address for 2016 on February 19th 2025. Under the new proposal is a spending total of 55.234 billion.
Financial impacts of federal action stir anxiety for Illinois farmers – Capitol News Illinois, February 21, 2025
Farmers face uncertainty as Congress delays long-term spending legislation.
WATCH: Illinois lawmakers consider bill they say enhances speech, press freedoms – The Center Square, February 21, 2025
Illinois lawmakers are considering legislation that supporters say aims at enhancing protections for freedom of speech and freedom of the press, but some legislators have expressed concern that the current proposal goes too far.
Darby Hills’ appointment to state Senate on hold as Republicans reopen applications for McConchie’s seat – Daily Herald, February 21, 2025
Hoping to resolve an intraparty legal challenge, suburban Republican leaders on Friday announced they are reopening applications for the vacant 26th Senate District seat.
ILGOP calls out Jewish governor for ‘vile, antisemitic attacks” (Updated) – Capitol Fax, February 21, 2025
Lost in the shuffle of the grandstanding and hypocrisy from Governor Pritzker’s budget speech was the dangerous, divisive rhetoric he used – comparing President Trump and the Republican Party to Nazi’s.
State Week: Pritzker lays out budget, slams Trump – NPR Illinois, February 21, 2025
Gov. JB Pritzker plans to raise spending in the next fiscal year amid concerns over federal funding that ahs been interrupted by the Trump Administration.
Which teams could score under state bill that would ban stadium subsidies for losing teams? – Daily Herald, February 23, 2025
You don’t have to read past the title of state Rep. Bob Morgan’s legislation — the Balanced Earnings And Record Standards & Stadium Oversight Expectations Act — to know which Chicago sports teams he’s talking about.
Eye On Illinois: Who ultimately holds power of the Statehouse purse? – Shaw Local, February 22, 2025
Who holds the balance of power in state government? The annual budgeting process invites exploring that question.
Letter to the Editor: Why not merge 118-member House with 59-member Senate and make new body of 102? – Muddy River News, February 22, 2025
As we move through 2025, we need to set aside the adversarial attitudes that try to pit “rural folks” versus “urban folks” — whatever the definition of “rural” and “urban” is these days.
Metro-east state rep settles lawsuit over blocked Facebook comments – Belleville News-Democrat, February 22, 2025
Illinois State Rep. Charlie Meier, R-Okawville, has settled a lawsuit alleging he violated the First Amendment free speech rights of four constituents by blocking their “critical” comments on his Facebook page.
Ethics ordinance to curb alleged law department interference in Inspector General investigations sent to Rules – The Daily Line, February 24, 2025
A proposal from the City Council’s ethics committee chair was stalled by a mayoral ally after it was introduced at last week’s council meeting.
Harper focuses on agriculture, reducing cost of living – FarmWeek Now, February 24, 2025
From journalist to legislator, State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, continues to grow her relationship with agriculture and Illinois Farm Bureau as the chair of the Illinois House Agriculture Committee.
The governor wants to put pause on fuel tax shift. What would that mean? – Daily Herald, February 23, 2025
It was just one line item in Gov. JB Pritzker’s budget proposal Wednesday, pausing the final shift of the state’s motor fuel sales taxes to the road fund.
CTA unveils plans for space beneath new Red and Purple Line el tracks – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 28, 2025
The Chicago Transit Authority is proposing several new public amenities in its final plan for the space under the new el tracks between the Lawrence and Bryn Mawr stations. The project is part of the first phase of the $2.1 billion modernization of the Red and Purple lines.
Chicago Women in Trades files lawsuit challenging Trump’s anti-DEI orders – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 28, 2025
Chicago Women in Trades has filed a lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s executive orders targeting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, saying such programs are key to providing opportunities for women and minorities.
Carlos Ramirez-Rosa to be named Chicago’s new park district boss – Chicago Sun Times, February 28, 2025
Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa is Mayor Brandon Johnson’s choice to replace Rosa Escareno as superintendent of the Chicago Park District.
Provision of anti-gentrification ordinance to allow tenants to purchase building before sale to become effective this weekend – The Daily Line, February 28, 2025
A pilot program aimed at preserving affordable multifamily housing in Logan Square, Humboldt Park, Avondale, Hermosa and West Town is finally set to go into effect this weekend after months of delay.
City Council approves $830M general obligation bond authorization to fund capital projects in narrow vote – The Daily Line, February 28, 2025
The City Council on Wednesday voted 26-23 to approve an $830 million general obligation bond authorization in a divisive vote over concerns about the proposed repayment structure from nearly half the council.
Mayor Johnson’s $830M borrowing plan squeaks through City Council – Chicago Sun Times, February 27, 2025
Johnson’s 26-23 victory was secured only after the mayor had to cast the third tie-breaking vote of his 19-month tenure. This time, he broke the 25-25 tie to kill Ald. Brendan Reilly’s attempt to postpone the vote until May 21.
Chicago sees dealmaking slump as early Trump moves drive uncertainty – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 27, 2025
Dealmaking has remained stuck in neutral in 2025 as uncertainty about the impact of President Donald Trump’s early actions has kept mergers and acquisitions activity light, belying forecasts for a long-awaited market surge this year.
Chicago Park District superintendent latest to resign in City Hall shake-up – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 27, 2025
Chicago Park District Superintendent Rosa Escareno is the latest city official to resign as Mayor Brandon Johnson voices his desire to push out holdovers from previous administrations. After four years leading the department, Escareno submitted her letter of resignation today. The move comes as the mayor promises to be more aggressive in getting rid of city officials who do not help drive his agenda forward.
Immigration agents detain a Chicago adult during school drop-off, officials say – WBEZ Chicago, February 27, 2025
Acero Schools officials say the adult was picked up with two children in their car. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials did not immediately confirm the action.
Who will be Chicago’s next U.S. attorney? Rep. LaHood is taking applications. – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 25, 2025
U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Illinois, is leading a search for Chicago’s next U.S. attorney, putting out a call today for applicants to helm an office that has gone nearly two years without a permanent leader.
Corporation counsel rebuts inspector general memo on law department interference, opposes ordinance from ethics chair to address concerns – The Daily Line, February 26, 2025
Corporation Counsel Mary Richardson-Lowry on Tuesday defended her department against recent allegations from the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) that the law department routinely interferes in investigations that could be politically harmful to top city officials.
Cook County moves to change how it offloads delinquent taxes – Chicago Tribune, February 24, 2025
Cook County homeowners who lose their properties because of unpaid property taxes would be in line for a share of the resale price under a proposed change to state law to prevent what critics call “equity theft.”
City Has $142M Left in Federal COVID-19 Relief Funds After $87M Cuts to Balance 2025 Budget – wttw, February 24, 2025
Chicago has two years to spend $142 million in federal relief funds officials have promised to use to strengthen the city’s tattered social safety net and provide direct aid to Chicagoans struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a WTTW News analysis.
Mother of Palestinian American boy slain in suburban Chicago hate crime testifies at trial – Associated Press, February 25, 2025
A suburban Chicago Muslim mother described to jurors Tuesday how she hid in a locked bathroom and called 911 after her landlord brutally attacked her with a knife and then fatally stabbed her young Palestinian American son in another room.
Chicago Mayor Johnson says the state will have to ’show up in a stronger way’ if there are federal grant cuts – Capitol Fax, February 25, 2025
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson was asked if his budget requests have shifted during a press availability today.
Rift widens between Johnson and inspector general he inherited – Chicago Sun-Times, February 25, 2025
Corporation Counsel Mary Richardson-Lowry fired back two weeks after Witzburg accused Mayor Brandon Johnson and his predecessor Lori Lightfoot of withholding documents, selectively enforcing subpoenas and demanding to have the Law Department sit in on interviews that “risk embarrassment” to the mayor.
Chicago arts leaders say city ‘must’ act in response to federal changes – WBEZ Chicago, February 25, 2025
At a Tuesday meeting of the city’s Cultural Advisory Council, members called on Chicago to exemplify robust arts support in the Trump era.
Alderman’s Office Kicks Reporter Out Of Meeting On Controversial Bar Reopening – Block Club Chicago, February 25, 2025
A 25th Ward staffer demanded a Block Club reporter leave a public meeting in Pilsen last week while two other reporters were not asked to go. The move could violate the media’s First Amendment rights, experts said.
Southwest Airlines pilot’s fast action averts disaster at Midway Airport: ‘Uh, how’d that happen?’ – Chicago Sun-Times, February 25, 2025
Video shows a Southwest 737 arriving from Omaha executing a go-around Tuesday when a private jet crosses the runway as the first plane prepares to land. A passenger says she wasn’t aware of the danger until she saw the incident on TV hours later.
United Center owners scoop up parking lots near the stadium ahead of 1901 Project’s planned kickoff – Chicago Sun Times, February 25, 2025
An affiliate of the Reinsdorf and Wirtz families paid nearly $10 million for two surface parking lots, after trying last year to purchase the lots for an estimated $8 million.
Rules Committee to consider sidewalk plowing pilot, economic disclosure changes, hemp and Green Social Housing measures – The Daily Line, February 25, 2025
The City Council rules committee on Tuesday will consider moving forward on an ordinance to implement the city’s Plow the Sidewalks pilot effort, a measure to remove economic disclosure requirements in specific cases, two hemp-related ordinances and a measure to allow the city to set up a new nonprofit housing development corporation.
Johnson pressured to amend $830M borrowing plan before City Council vote – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 24, 2025
In an effort to secure approval of a controversial $830 million borrowing plan, Mayor Brandon Johnson has been working with the Chicago City Council to give the body more authority over how the money is spent — but further changes may be required.
Trump and Musk take aim at Loop’s Kluczynski, Metcalfe buildings – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 24, 2025
The Trump administration is planning to shed half of the office space it occupies in Chicago and Illinois, with the huge Loop Kluczynski and Metcalfe buildings heading the list of structures on the chopping block.
Is the May 7 deadline for Real ID actually real this time? – Chicago Tribune, February 23, 2025
Earlier this month, Austin Spa, a state Capitol security guard, felt pressured to get a Real ID card that he thought he would need to board a September flight.
Kam Buckner: A city charter is the reform Chicago actually needs, not recall powers – Chicago Tribune, February 23, 2025
Chicago is the largest city in America without a city charter. No governing document, no foundational rules that define how power is distributed, how decisions are made and what rights the people have in relation to their government.
Botched police raid victim calls on Mayor Brandon Johnson to pass long-sought warrant reform – Chicago Tribune, February 21, 2025
Six years after a botched police raid hit her home, activist Anjanette Young mixed criticism and encouragement of Mayor Brandon Johnson on Friday as she called for him to finally make promised police reforms.
Metra paid a law firm over $1.5M for an internal investigation that it won’t release, raising transparency questions – Chicago Tribune, February 24, 2025
Metra hired a team of outside lawyers, who worked more than seven months, to conduct an internal investigation that cost the agency nearly $1.57 million.
The hidden world of Chicago ICE arrests – Chicago Tribune, February 23, 2025
One month after Trump’s inauguration, a partial look at those detained
Egg prices soar as Southland bakeries prepare for paczki craze – Chicago Tribune, February 24, 2025
With Fat Thursday and Fat Tuesday just around the corner, bakeries across the Chicago area are gearing up for the annual rush of paczki orders, but many are facing challenges due to soaring egg prices.
City touts mission to target employee ties to hate groups; community demands police be the priority – Chicago Tribune, February 24, 2025
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s new task force focused on digging into extremism among employees was met with fierce demands for fast, decisive action at a Sunday town hall after months of pressure from the city’s watchdog and progressives to root out such elements, specifically among Chicago police.
Chicagoans mark 3 years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – Chicago Sun-Times, February 22, 2025
As the administration in Washington grows critical of Ukraine at the third anniversary of the Russian invasion, hundreds clad in Ukrainian colors and waving flags fill the Wrigley Building plaza downtown Saturday to call for strong support for Ukraine and an end to the war.
Andrea Kersten headed COPA, the agency that investigates Chicago police misconduct. Here’s what happened before she quit – Chicago Sun-Times, February 21, 2025
The backstage drama days before she resigned included a threatened no-confidence vote by a city oversight panel that could have led to Kersten being fired as chief administrator of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, sources told the Chicago Sun-Times.
