**NOTE: We will not be putting out a weekly report on Friday, March 8.

Session Preview

After taking this week off from session, the Illinois General Assembly will return to Springfield on Tuesday, March 5. The House of Representatives will be in session from Tuesday through Thursday, and the Senate will be in session from Tuesday through Friday. Committees will continue to meet in both chambers. The Senate Committee deadline is rapidly approaching on Friday, March 15, a few days prior to the primary election, signifying an eventful two weeks for the chamber. On the other hand, the House Committee deadline is not until Friday, April 5, a few weeks after the primary election.

March 19 Primary Election Preview

The 2024 Illinois primary election will take place on March 19. Early voting began on February 15 in Chicago, February 21 in suburban Cook County, and is currently underway in many other jurisdictions across the state. Candidates for President, Congress, the Illinois General Assembly, Illinois Supreme Court, and various local races will appear on the primary ballot to decide the Democrat and Republican Party nominees for the November 5 general election. Online voter registration for the primary will remain active until March 3. Grace-period voter registration will be available at local county clerk’s offices or participating early voting locations after the March 3 deadline. Same-day registration will be available at some polling locations.

On Wednesday, a Cook County judge ordered that former President Donald Trump’s name be removed from the Republican primary ballot. However, Trump’s lawyers appealed the order, and he will remain on the primary ballot while the appeal process plays out.

Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide

March 15 – Senate Committee Deadline

March 19 – 2024 Primary Election

April 5 – House Committee Deadline

April 12 – Senate Third Reading Deadline

April 19 – House Third Reading Deadline

May 3 – Opposite Chamber Committee Deadline

May 17 – Opposite Chamber Third Reading Deadline

May 24 – Adjournment

May 25-31 – Contingent Session Days for Budget

November 5 – 2024 General Election

In the News

Is Trump still on Illinois ballot? What to know after judge rules to remove his name – Chicago Sun-Times, February 29, 2024

A Cook County judge on Wednesday ordered former President Donald Trump’s name off Illinois’ primary ballot. But early voting for the March 19 primary election is already underway.

Opinion: Here’s the problem with Gov. Pritzker’s latest pension plan – Chicago Sun-Times, February 29, 2024

When Gov. J.B. Pritzker put his fiscal year 2025 General Fund budget proposal on the table last week, he did so from a position of strength. After all, the General Fund is as healthy as it’s been in over four decades, in large part due to Pritzker’s responsible fiscal stewardship.

Expensive primary between Wilhour, Hall, who says district needs better representation – The Daily Line, March 1, 2024

Republicans in the 110th House District are searching for new representation, says Matt Hall, the primary challenger to Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City), in an expensive race exposing frustrations many have with the Illinois Freedom Caucus. 

Melissa Conyears-Ervin gets backing from pastors in bid for Congress – Chicago Tribune, February 28, 2024

In trying to upend longtime U.S. Rep. Danny Davis in the 7th Congressional District’s Democratic primary, Melissa Conyears-Ervin is getting help from the pulpit as more than two dozen Black clergy leaders backed her candidacy Wednesday.

David Greising: Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s willingness to tackle pension problem is a breakthrough – Chicago Tribune, March 1, 2024

Perhaps the most lasting and important part of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s financial plan for Illinois was not even included in his budget address last week.

Illinois House endorsements in 27th, 29th, 31st, 35th, 49th, 76th – Chicago Tribune, March 1, 2024

We continue with our endorsements in contested primaries for the Illinois House of Representatives.

IL State Rep. Wilhour on the problem with the state’s Tier 2 pension system – WGN Radio 720, February 29, 2024

IL State Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-107th), joins Lisa Dent talk about the state’s Tier 2 system for public employees hired after 2011, and why it’s becoming an issue for taxpayers over a decade later.

Trump removed from Illinois ballot by Cook County judge’s ruling – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 28, 2024

A Cook County judge has ordered former President Donald Trump’s name be removed from Illinois’ March 19 Republican primary ballot.

News in brief: Pritzker sticking to grocery tax elimination; Reaction to study of Invest in Kids recipients – The Daily Line, February 29, 2024

Gov. JB Pritzker won’t back off his proposal to eliminate the grocery tax despite opposition from local governments. And advocates are reacting to a study showing public school students out-performed private school students receiving Invest in Kids scholarships. 

Convicted ex-Michael Madigan aide will have his pension suspended – Chicago Sun-Times, February 29, 2024

The onetime top aide to former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan will have his six-figure state pension suspended Friday as a result of his conviction and sentencing for lying to a federal grand jury.

Illinois House endorsements in 4th, 5th, 6th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th – Chicago Tribune, February 29, 2024

Today we start our endorsements for the March 19 primary in contested races for the Illinois House. There are primary contests in 23 of the 118 House districts statewide. In just one of those — the 83rd — is there a primary contest for both parties. Our endorsements in the coming days will run in order, from the lowest district number to the highest. This first batch of endorsements all are on the Democratic side of the ticket.

49th District GOP rivals debate their electability in November showdown with Hirschauer – Daily Herald, February 28, 2024

The two candidates in the Republican primary for the 49th District state House seat recently debated their respective electability in the November general election when one will challenge Democratic incumbent state Rep. Maura Hirschauer of Batavia.

Opinion: Go big on the Child Tax Credit to slash poverty — and boost Illinois’ economy – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 28, 2024

When considering whether to adopt a Child Tax Credit in Illinois, the question isn’t really whether to adopt one or not. Instead, it is: How big should the credit be?

A conversation with Republican leader of the Illinois State Senate, John Curran – Illinois Public Media, February 28, 2024

A week after Governor Pritzker’s budget speech, Republican John Curran from Downers Grove, now the Illinois Senate Minority Leader, aired his concerns on The 21st. Curran is pushing for a budget that looks after Illinois residents first, questioning spending on programs for noncitizens and recent arrivals. He also notes last year’s budget talks, especially the disagreements over the end of a tax credit for private school scholarships, which resulted in no Republican backing for the final budget.

Eye On Illinois: Feds’ trade yields large prison sentences while Link might get probation – Shaw Local News Network, February 28, 2024

It’s apparently numbers week here at Eye On Illinois, but rather than break down budget proposals or comptroller dashboards, the Department of Justice delivered some different data points Tuesday.

Following unions’ lead, lllinois House Speaker Chris Welch directs $560K to effort to oust Rep. Mary Flowers – Chicago Sun-Times, February 27, 2024

Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch is leading an effort to direct more than $560,000 to oust Chicago Democratic State Rep. Mary Flowers — the longest-serving African American lawmaker in the Illinois General Assembly, whose leadership was stripped last year over allegations of abusive behavior.

Feds say ex-state Sen. Terry Link deserves probation after helping uncover bribery scheme – Chicago Sun-Times, February 27, 2024

Federal prosecutors say former state Sen. Terry Link should get probation — and no prison time — for dodging $82,000 in taxes after he cooperated for years with the FBI and helped prosecutors convict others for a bribery scheme under the Capitol dome in Springfield.

Longtime Rep. Bill Foster, challenger Qasim Rashid face off in 11th District primary, differ over Gaza war – Chicago Sun-Times, February 28, 2024

U.S. Rep. Bill Foster calls himself “battle tested” as he faces Qasim Rashid, a progressive challenger who claims the Naperville incumbent is out of touch with Democratic values.

Pritzker introduces pension reform plan that could save taxpayers billions. Will it work? – The State Journal-Register, February 28, 2024

If Gov. JB Pritzker has his way, a 30-year pension funding initiative of a Republican predecessor would be no more. Then-Gov. Jim Edgar signed a bipartisan pension reform package in 1994, setting a pathway for the state to fund 90% of its pension liabilities by 2045. Over the years, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have slammed the slow pathway to meeting that goal — currently funding less than 45% and $141.3 billion short overall.

Pritzker Attacks Opposition to Grocery Tax Repeal – The Illinoize, February 27, 2024

Governor JB Pritzker mocked those questioning his plan to end the state’s grocery tax because of its impact on the finances of local governments around the state. While the state collects the 1-percent tax on some grocery items, almost all of the money is distributed to local governments around the state. Pritzker’s plan does not fill the expected $300-$400 million hole in funding for municipalities.

Pritzker continues to downplay speculation he’s eyeing the White House – The Center Square, February 27, 2024

While Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker continues to downplay the idea he’ll run for president, Republicans interpret the governor’s rhetoric differently. Pritzker has long denied he’s aiming for the White House. He’s publicly supported incumbent President Joe Biden’s reelection. During an unrelated event Monday, Billy Ocasio, president and CEO of the National Puerto Rican Museum in Chicago, said Pritzker’s the man.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker pushes maternal health funding at planned South Side birthing center – Chicago Tribune, February 26, 2024

Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Monday joined advocates to call for a slate of new protections for pregnant people and new mothers, including a child tax credit, support for community-based providers and measures to make doulas and midwives more accessible.

Trump-backed U.S. Rep. Bost touts experience as he fends off challenge from ‘outsider’ Darren Bailey – Chicago Sun-Times, February 27, 2024

In a southern Illinois town described by a local librarian as “Mayberry-esque,” a deep red community of about 2,400 people is deciding whether the support of former President Donald Trump is enough to send U.S. Rep. Mike Bost back to Congress instead of his grassroots challenger, Darren Bailey.

Jesse Reyes hopes to become 1st Latino among Illinois Supreme Court justices – ABC 7 News, February 26, 2024

Justice Joy Cunningham is facing a challenge from Jesse Reyes in the race for one of the most important elected positions in Illinois — a seat on the state Supreme Court.

Greg Hinz: A voter’s guide to two of the trickier issues on the March 19 ballot – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 26, 2024

As in life, good intentions will take you only so far in politics. Eventually, wise voters figure out that declaring an intention to do good is not the same as actually doing so. Ergo, two contests on the March 19 primary ballot in which voters would be well advised to look beyond the flashy exterior and check under the hood.

Deering, Erickson seeking right mix of conservatism, experience to be new Republican representing 88th House District – The Daily Line, February 26, 2024

The 88th House District will have a new Republican state representative in 2025 with the retirement of Rep. Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur). Two candidates, Regan Deering of Decatur and Chuck Erickson of Bloomington, are now fighting for an opportunity to elevate their political careers. 

With budget proposal and fiery address, Pritzker paints himself as progressive pragmatist – Capitol News Illinois, February 22, 2024

In delivering his annual State of the State and budget address on Wednesday, Gov. JB Pritzker cast his administration as both progressive and pragmatic – a balance he’s worked to strike as his national profile has grown.

Native Americans hope Illinois lawmakers can transfer stolen land, ban racist school mascots – WAND, February 23, 2024

Illinois lawmakers could pass several pieces of legislation this spring to help Native Americans across the state. One proposal could support the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation’s goal to reclaim land stolen from them more than 200 years ago. The measure would allow Illinois to transfer ownership of Shabbona Lake State Park to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.

Pritzker backs down on General Iron, signs deal to toughen environmental oversight in low-income areas – Chicago Sun-Times, February 23, 2024

Nearly four years after Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration gave the OK for the General Iron scrap-metal operation to move to the Southeast Side, he’s agreed that the state of Illinois will take a tougher look at the likely environmental impact in the future before allowing such pollution-producing businesses to move into low-income areas.

Bailey Goes Up on TV, But Is It “Too Little, Too Late?” – The Illinoize, February 23, 2024

In an effort to turn around the prospects of a fledgling campaign, former state senator and 2022 GOP gubernatorial nominee Darren Bailey is introducing a fiery ad aimed at his opponent, incumbent Congressman Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro).

Rich Miller: Black, Latino caucuses are still feeling ignored – The Pantagraph, February 23, 2024

Two press conferences held after Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s budget address last week didn’t receive much news media attention. As the saying goes, coverage follows conflict, and the two pressers were far more subtle and polite in their criticisms of the governor’s plan than those held by Republicans, so they were mostly overlooked.

Incumbent state Rep. Hanson, challenger Boxenbaum field questions at League forum – Shaw Local News Network, February 23, 2024

Incumbent State Rep. Matt Hanson, D-Montgomery and primary challenger Arad Boxenbaum both vowed their support for abortion rights, to protect the enviroment, support public schools and to have stronger gun laws Thursday night at a League of Women Voters forum held at the Batavia City Hall.

Johnson urged to deliver on transparency, public access promises for City Council – Chicago Sun-Times, February 29, 2024

If Chicago got a dollar for every time a politician used the word “transparency,” the city would have a new revenue source. If the dollar were paid only by politicians who delivered transparency it would be a different story.

Mayor Brandon Johnson outlines vision for downtown revitalization – Chicago Sun-Times, February 29, 2024

Mayor Brandon Johnson highlighted ongoing efforts to revitalize downtown during the Chicago Loop Alliance’s annual meeting Thursday at Willis Tower and broadly sketched future steps to make business in the area “even more vibrant.”

Civic groups call on mayor, aldermen to enact City Council ethics reforms – Chicago Tribune, February 29,2024

Three of Chicago’s most important civic organizations are urging the City Council and Mayor Brandon Johnson to make major ethics changes designed to keep the public informed and engaged with what the council is considering.

County board approves agreement for brownfield remediation in south suburbs, digital security contract, agreement for hazardous waste disposal facility – The Daily Line, March 1, 2024

The Cook County Board of Commissioners approved a digital security contract, an agreement with South Suburban College for a hazardous waste disposal facility and an agreement with the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association for brownfield remediation during its Thursday meeting.

Chicago’s average weekly return-to-office occupancy sees slight growth – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 29, 2024

Chicago’s office occupancy grew by less than one percentage point last week to 55.1%. The city’s stats are still ahead of the nationwide average, now by 3.3 percentage points.

Chicago Taxpayers to Spend an Additional $4.2M to Allow CPD to Use ShotSpotter Through November – WTTW, February 28, 2024

It will cost Chicago taxpayers an additional $4.2 million to allow the Chicago Police Department to continue using ShotSpotter for an additional nine months, bringing the total cost of the contract extension inked by Mayor Brandon Johnson just hours before the city was set to lose access to the controversial gunshot detection system to $8.6 million.

Transportation leaders urge Pritzker to not divert road funds to Chicago transit – Cities 929, February 28, 2024

Transportation industry leaders are urging Gov. J.B. Pritzker and legislative leaders to keep their promise to Rebuild Illinois and stop the diversion of road funds to fill funding gaps in Chicago public transit.

Emails show Chicago mayor pushed Sox for unified messaging amid stadium funding ask – NBC Chicago, February 28, 2024

As the Chicago Bears and White Sox both look for public funding for new stadium developments, newly obtained internal emails show that Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office pushed to publicly present a united front with the Sox after meeting with owner Jerry Reinsdorf in early January.

Bears and Sox told to team up on stadium financing pitches – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 27, 2024

The Chicago Bears and Chicago White Sox are being urged to cobble together one financial request for their stadium proposals that state legislators can consider rather than dueling plans that could box each other out.

During City Hall grilling, CTA chief sketches a bold vision — and cites need for Springfield’s help – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 27, 2024

Chicago Transit Authority President Dorval Carter believes the CTA can not only restore ridership but reach 2 million riders per day, as long as the agency can secure funding from Springfield.

Chicago’s extended, and expensive, breakup with ShotSpotter: Crain’s Daily Gist podcast – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 28, 2024

The city reached an agreement for a ShotSpotter contract extension after confusion amid a possible shutoff of the gunshot detection system. Crain’s politics reporter Leigh Giangreco talks with host Amy Guth about the city’s future plans with the technology that’s currently used in 12 police districts.

Seven Chicago neighborhoods get ‘cultural district’ status, paving way for revitalization efforts – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 27, 2024

At the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture on Monday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and other government officials announced the creation of 10 “cultural districts” in Chicago, Champaign and Springfield.

News in Brief: Board of Elections announces its own appeal in Bring Chicago Home case; Police and Fire Committee to take up retirement age increase – The Daily Line, February 28, 2024

The Chicago Board of Elections is asking an appeals court to reverse a lower court ruling to suppress the results of the Bring Chicago Home referendum. And a proposal to raise the mandatory retirement age for cops and firefighters could receive approval by a City Council panel Wednesday.

Nearly half of Chicago renters spend too much for rent and utilities – WBEZ Chicago, February 27, 2024

An increasing percentage of Chicago renters have been spending too much for rent and utilities, mirroring a national trend that leaves households with a tight budget for other necessities.

Illinois EPA must revamp its permitting process after Chicago activists file civil rights complaint – WBEZ Chicago, February 27, 2024

Environmental justice activists in Chicago claimed a major victory last week when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ruled that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency needs to revamp its process for permitting polluting industries in residential neighborhoods.

Chicago marketers make their pitches to promote the city – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 26, 2024

Some might say it was the Chicago Bulls’ 1990s championship wins that put the city on the global map and elevated its game among elite cities. But Chicago was known as the City of Big Shoulders long before the Bulls roared into town in the mid-1960s.

Bring Chicago Home latest: Early voting continues, city gears up for appeal; county campaigns heat up – Chicago Tribune, February 26, 2024

As Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration moved forward with plans to appeal a judge’s ruling against his Bring Chicago Home referendum, he called on the public to still turn out and vote for it and said he was “optimistic” supporters would eventually prevail in court.

Gov. Pritzker ‘reluctant’ to ask taxpayers to subsidize new White Sox stadium in South Loop – Chicago Sun-Times, February 26, 2024

Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Monday said he is “reluctant” to provide public subsidies for a new $1.2 billion White Sox ballpark in the South Loop unless he’s assured taxpayers will see a long-term benefit.

Cook County tax appeal official Larry Rogers’ biggest primary challenge? Conflict of interest accusations – Chicago Sun-Times, February 26, 2024

At one time in his 20 years as a Cook County Board of Review commissioner, Larry Rogers Jr. employed his half-brother Frederic Everly at the agency that can reduce property tax bills.

Another legal cloud hangs over ShotSpotter contract – Chicago Sun-Times, February 26, 2024

The nine-month, $8.6 million contract extension that Mayor Brandon Johnson frantically hammered out with ShotSpotter to give the Chicago Police Department time to transition away from the gunshot detection technology just might be illegal, sources have told the Chicago Sun-Times.

Judge plans to rule next month on whether serious police disciplinary cases can be heard in private – Chicago Sun-Times, February 26, 2024

A Cook County judge announced Monday he plans to rule next month on whether the most serious cases of police misconduct can be heard in private — a highly anticipated decision that will likely prompt an appeal from either the city or its largest police union.

Chicago has one of the largest income inequality gaps in the country – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 27, 2024

Chicago is home to extreme income inequality, and a new report shows just how stark the city’s wage gap is relative to the rest of the country.

Cubs want $30 million to boost security outside Wrigley Field, and maybe secure an All-Star Game – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 26, 2024

The Chicago Cubs are talking with City Hall about how to fund $30 million in security enhancements surrounding Wrigley Field.

City appeals ruling that blocks votes on ‘Bring Chicago Home’ referendum – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 26, 2024

The city has appealed a Cook County judge’s ruling last week that votes on the “Bring Chicago Home” ballot measure should not be counted.

News in brief: Police board proceedings to resume; Transportation committee to hold hearing with CTA president; Treatment Not Trauma hearing set for Wednesday – The Daily Line, February 27, 2024

A county judge has allowed police board proceedings to continue following a second City Council vote against arbitration. Alderpeople will have a chance to grill the president of the CTA during a hearing Tuesday, and a hearing on the Treatment Not Trauma working group is scheduled for Wednesday.

Puerto Rico Town, Other Chicago Cultural Districts Can Get Millions For Preservation Efforts – Block Club Chicago, February 26, 2024

Seven new city cultural districts are now eligible for millions in state funding for wide-ranging preservation efforts, local leaders announced Monday.

Laura Ricketts, Chicago Red Stars want in on taxpayer-funded stadium talks – Crian’s Chicago Business, February 26, 2024

With the Chicago White Sox and Bears both in the hunt for taxpayers’ help building new stadiums, the city’s women’s professional soccer team has a message for local and state lawmakers: Count us in, too.

The Democrats running to replace State’s Attorney Kim Foxx answer five key questions – WBEZ Chicago, February 26, 2024

Hardly three weeks remain before balloting ends in a hotly contested Democratic primary to replace Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, who is not seeking a third term. The winner of the March 19 primary is expected to have a huge advantage in November’s general election.

Despite numerous layoffs in 2023, Chicago’s largest employers managed to see growth – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 26, 2024

Last year was laden with news of company layoffs, but Chicago’s Largest Employers managed to see an average 6% uptick in local headcount from 2022 to 2023. Collectively, these top 25 organizations employed 482,182 workers in the Chicago area last year, up 6% from 2022.

Judge sides with building owners on controversial ‘Bring Chicago Home’ measure – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 23, 2024

A Cook County judge ruled that votes on the March 19 city ballot measure to increase the real estate transfer tax on properties sold for more than $1 million will not be counted.

Bond proposal pushed by Johnson would invest in housing, workforce development, neighborhoods – The Daily Line, February 23, 2024

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration released a detailed plan on Wednesday for how the city’s housing and planning departments intended to spend $1.25 billion in bond proceeds should the City Council approve the proposed borrowing plan.

CTU staffer fights to keep Chicago Mayor Johnson’s former seat on the Cook County Board – WBEZ Chicago, February 24, 2024

Cook County Board Commissioner Tara Stamps may have less money in her campaign coffers than her Democratic challenger, but she has some powerful support trying to help her keep her seat.

Mayor Brandon Johnson promised a new era of ‘co-governance’ in City Hall. So far, it’s a bumpy ride. – Chicago Tribune, February 26, 2024

Ald. Chris Taliaferro believes his ward largely supports the use of ShotSpotter gunfire detection devices, but the dissent of one particular constituent stands out: the mayor of Chicago.

In House Democratic primary, Rep. Jesus ‘Chuy’ Garcia challenged from the right by Ald. Raymond Lopez – Chicago Sun-Times, February 26, 2024

Bucking a national trend in which Democratic incumbent centrists fight primary challenges from the left, one of the most progressive members of Congress, Rep. Jesús “Chuy” Garcia, faces 15th Ward Ald. Ray Lopez, a frequent Fox News guest coming after him from the right.

What does Chicago need next? A rebranding – Crain’s Chicago Business, February 26, 2024

In his victory speech after being elected mayor of Houston in December, John Whitmire couldn’t resist taking a shot at Chicago: “We’re not New York. We’re not L.A. We’re sure not Chicago. We fix our problems,” he said. “Great cities solve their problems.”