Session Update
Both the House of Representatives and the Senate were in session last week, following opposite chamber committee deadline on May 3. A few remaining bills in both chambers had their opposite chamber committee deadlines and initial chamber third reading deadlines extended to last Friday. The Senate passed seven bills to be sent to the House for future consideration. The House passed eight bills which have now passed both houses and await Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s signature.
Both chambers will be in session again this week, and Friday, May 17 is the opposite chamber third reading deadline in both the House and Senate. The 2024 Illinois General Assembly session is scheduled to adjourn on May 24, with contingent session days from May 25 to 31, if needed.
$827M Rivian Incentive Agreement
On May 2, Gov. J.B Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced an $827M incentive package for electric vehicle company Rivian. The incentive funds will go toward expanding operations at Rivian’s plant in Normal, Illinois to allow for production of its new, smaller R2 SUV. Specific uses of funds include the expansion of the plant itself, improvements to public infrastructure, development of a new manufacturing training academy, creation of a dual credit apprenticeship program for high school students, and further job training support from the Employer Training Investment Program (EITP). Upon completion of the planned expansion, Rivian’s facility will be able to produce up to 215,000 units per year. The company plans to create over 550 new jobs in Illinois over the next five years and must maintain at least 6,000 jobs in Illinois to receive incentives. The incentive agreement estimates a minimum salary of $51,174 for new employees.
Rivian will receive $827M in state incentives over the next 30 years on a $1.5B investment in its Normal facility. The EV company previously received Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credits. Since they acquired the Normal facility in 2017, the state added a variety of new economic development tools to help promote investment in Illinois. Rivian’s facility expansion will allow them to take advantage of these new tools, such as the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles (REV) tax credit designed to recruit electric vehicle and EV component parts manufacturers to Illinois and the governor’s discretionary Large Business Attraction Fund (closing fund). $634M of the state incentive funds will come from the REV credit and another $75M from the closing fund. The closing fund has $288M remaining as of May 9 from an initial appropriation of $400M at the beginning of 2023. Remaining incentive funds will come from EITP grants to support new employee training.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
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
Analysis: ‘Significant enough’ opposition to Pritzker’s revenue plan leads to call for cuts – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 9, 2024
When Gov. JB Pritzker proposed his budget for the upcoming fiscal year in February, he sought authority from lawmakers to raise more than $1 billion in revenue through various changes to the state tax code.
Freedom Caucus on Pritzker urging $800 million in budget cuts: ‘We told you so’ – The Center Square, May 9, 2024
For weeks, Gov. J.B. Pritzker has boasted about his proposed 2025 budget as being balanced, but it appears that the numbers aren’t adding up. Republicans are saying, “We told you so.”
Opinion: State will gladly pay next week for bond sale today – The News-Gazette, May 9, 2024
Illinois plans to spend $1.8 billion on programs to fund pension buyouts for public employees and capital projects approved through its Rebuild Illinois program. But it doesn’t have the money.
‘We are going to fight this’: Republican leaders slating legislative candidates despite new ban – Daily Herald, May 9, 2024
Suburban Republican Party leaders are slating candidates for state legislative races that didn’t draw primary contenders despite a new law designed to prevent such aspirants from being considered by voters.
Raja Krishnamoorthi clocked out TikTok. Can he dominate a Senate run? – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 10, 2024
Krishnamoorthi is having a buzzy spring following a million-dollar dinner he co-hosted for Biden and the success of his bipartisan bill forcing the Chinese owner of TikTok to divest the social media platform or face a ban in the U.S.
Former Illinois Democratic governor backs Trump during Mar-a-Lago visit – The State Journal-Register, May 9, 2024
Visiting Trump in Mar-a-Lago this weekend with prominent Republicans like House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., disgraced former Gov. Rod Blagojevich is backing the GOP presidential candidate in the November election.
Legislature approves creating new Department of Early Childhood – The Daily Line, May 10, 2024
The House voted 93-18 on Thursday to pass a plan proposed by Gov. JB Pritzker last year to create the Department of Early Childhood and consolidate early childhood services under a single state agency.
Push for wage increase for Illinois providers working with people with disabilities – WGEM, May 9, 2024
Illinois state lawmakers joined advocates in Springfield Wednesday to call on the state to pay people more who care for individuals with developmental disabilities and ask the state to allocate an additional $120 million to paying direct-support professionals (DSP) contract reimbursements.
Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline deluged with calls, hindered by lack of shelter beds – Chicago Sun-Times, May 9, 2024
Domestic violence survivors looking for a safe place to stay are driving a surge in contacts to the state’s hotline, which has seen its volume of calls, texts and messages from those experiencing abuse nearly double since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Small Midwestern cities are killing it in home price growth this year – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 10, 2024
Home prices are rising so fast in those and three other small cities in Illinois and Wisconsin that this swath of the Midwest dominated the National Association of Realtors’ May 8 report on U.S. home price increases during the first quarter of the year.
Letters to the Editor: Delivering on our promise of jobs and investment to Illinois – News Democrat, May 9, 2024
As the State Representative for Illinois’ 113th District, I have always been a proponent for securing as many opportunities as possible for working families. The new, groundbreaking legislation I am sponsoring in the Illinois General Assembly to roll out Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology across our state is the latest opportunity to deliver on this promise and create an influx of good paying jobs in the region.
Johnson visits Springfield with over $100M in funding requests beyond $1B ask for CPS – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 8, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson was in Springfield today with an exhaustive list of budget priorities for state leaders to consider during the final weeks of their spring session. Johnson told reporters on May 6 he’s seeking $1 billion in commitments that are “owed” to Chicago, primarily to better fund Chicago Public Schools.
More than $150M in funding announced to improve housing across Illinois communities – WAND, May 8, 2024
More than $150 million in funding has been announced to improve housing across Illinois communities. U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) announced $150,346,316 through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Capital Fund Program, which offers annual funding to public housing authorities to build, renovate, and modernize public housing.
Muni momentum spurs Illinois to speed up $1.8 billion bond sale – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 8, 2024
Illinois took advantage of an improving credit grade to speed up an $1.8 billion debt sale, bolstered by investors’ hunger for yield amid a rally in the municipal market. The state sold $1.55 billion in tax-exempt bonds and $250 million in taxable debt for capital projects and to finance an accelerated pension payment program on Tuesday.
Illinois Democrats’ law changing the choosing of legislative candidates faces GOP opposition – Associated Press, May 8, 2024
Illinois Democrats have changed the way candidates for the General Assembly get on the ballot. Republicans are complaining that they changed the rules mid-game. The Legislature’s majority party speedily made the change last week by introducing the proposal, shepherding it through votes of approval by the House and Senate and securing the governor’s signature within 30 hours.
Legislation would support local journalism – Illinois Times, May 9, 2024
The number of journalism jobs at Illinois newspapers has dropped 86% since 2005, but press advocates see signs of hope in proposed college scholarships, state tax credits, scholarships and other subsidies to benefit local news outlets.
Decriminalizing prostitution in Illinois proposed; lawmaker shocked at idea – The Center Square, May 8, 2024
Prostitution is illegal in all states except certain parts of Nevada. Illinois legislators and LGBTQ advocates pushed for the state to decriminalize prostitution at a news conference Wednesday.
Greenwood’s early cash influx outpaces Schmidt in 114th state House race – Metro East Chronicle, May 8, 2024
Early indications show that former state Rep. LaToya Greenwood will raise serious money in her effort to take back the 114th state House seat from Kevin Schmidt.
Biden, Harris step up drive to win battleground Wisconsin while taking sidetrips to fundraise in Illinois – Chicago Sun-Times, May 8, 2024
President Joe Biden hits Chicago Wednesday for a fundraiser after a stop in Racine, where his visit will spotlight one of President Donald Trump’s economic flops, the failed Foxconn plant, which never employed the promised 13,000 workers.
Domestic violence legislation gets new focus after Villa Park murder, suicide – The Daily Line, May 7, 2024
A renewed push for domestic violence legislation has begun in Springfield after a domestic violence situation in Villa Park resulted in a murder and suicide. Pushes have increased for legislators to consider Karina’s Bill (SB2633), which would require police to remove guns from a person who has an order of protection issued against them.
Pritzker dismisses reports his family is funding pro-Palestine groups – The Center Square, May 7, 2024
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker dismissed a report his family is indirectly funding pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel groups that have set up encampments on campuses across the nation.
A push to raise pay for those who work with developmentally disabled – Daily Herald, May 7, 2024
A 2020 study by Guidehouse Inc. for the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Developmental Disabilities recommended that the average wage of a DSP be increased to at least 150% of minimum wage. For FY 2024, DSP wages in Illinois are 139%, and that is likely to drop to 130% at the beginning of 2025 without a raise.
Secretary of state’s office urges residents to get a Real ID as federal deadline is a year away – Chicago Tribune, May 6, 2024
After multiple delays, the federal Transportation Security Administration said the May 7, 2025, deadline for requiring a Real ID for air travel is firm, and the Illinois secretary of state’s office is launching a campaign to urge those who don’t yet have the ID to get one.
Advocates, legislators push for $140 million to fund violence prevention – The Center Square, May 6, 2024
The Reimagine Public Safety Act calls for a comprehensive approach to reducing violent crime through targeted community investments. Advocates and violence prevention groups gathered in Springfield recently to push for $140 million.
No ‘April surprise’ leaves state revenue at expected levels as lawmakers finalize budget – The Daily Line, May 6, 2024
Revenue for Fiscal Year 2024 remains as predicted as state legislators begin finalizing the Fiscal Year 2025 budget and as lawmakers figure out how to make the most of strong revenue with a tighter revenue-to-expenditures margin.
Pritzker signs bill requiring legislative candidates to run in primaries — Republicans call it ‘stealing an election’ – Chicago Sun-Times, May 3, 2024
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has quickly signed into law a measure that will eliminate the long-standing practice of allowing party leaders to choose general election candidates if no one has run for a legislative seat in the primary.
IG says state employees made up businesses, lied about income to defraud federal COVID aid program – Chicago Tribune, May 2, 2024
Illinois state employees fabricated hair salons, paid others to inaccurately fill out forms and drastically inflated income numbers for their side businesses in an effort to fraudulently receive pandemic-era Paycheck Protection Program loans, according to recently released reports from the Office of Executive Inspector General.
Illinois Dignity in Pay Act: House preparing for vote to eliminate sub-minimum wages – WAND, May 2, 2024
Illinois workers with developmental and intellectual disabilities have been paid much less than the minimum wage since 1938, but state lawmakers could pass a plan to phase out the sub-minimum wage this month. Rep. Theresa Mah (D-Chicago) and many other lawmakers believe it is wrong that some people are paid as low as 50 cents per hour and make only $100 per month.
Measure creating ‘Small Business Truth in Lending Act’ heads to Illinois House – The Center Square, May 3, 2024
A bill headed to the Illinois House that aims to provide financial lending protections for businesses is being criticized as being bad for business. Senate Bill 2234 from state Sen. Christopher Belt, D-Swansea, would provide protections for small businesses when taking out a loan by requiring financial terms such as the amount financed, fees and the annual percentage rate be clearly disclosed at the time an online or non-bank provider makes an offer for a loan.
Pritzker hints at Y-Block development during forum in Springfield – The State Journal-Register, May 2, 2024
Development at the Y-Block could be coming soon, Gov. JB Pritzker hinted at a Citizens Club of Springfield event Thursday night. Plans have varied for the former home of the YWCA due north of the Governor’s Mansion since its 2017 razing
Post-Congress, Bustos and Davis see bleak prospect for election-year bipartisanship – Herald & Review, May 2, 2024
It’s been 17 months since Rodney Davis and Cheri Bustos ended their decade-long tenures as members of Congress. “I miss my friends. I miss being able to have a seat at the table on major policy decisions,” Davis, a Republican from Taylorville, said. “But do I miss what’s going on in Washington right now? Hell no.”
Biden talks momentum in Chicago – POLITICO, May 9, 2024
President Joe Biden returned Wednesday to the friendly confines of Chicago, where he was greeted by about 80 big-dollar donors gathered at the Palmer House Hilton. Old friends embraced Biden at every turn.
The ups and downs of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s roller coaster first year – Chicago Sun-Times, May 10, 2024
When Chicagoans chose a paid organizer for the Chicago Teachers Union and rookie Cook County commissioner as their 57th mayor, many knew Brandon Johnson would need to grow into the job. They were right.
Mayor Johnson meets with labor leaders on 2nd day in Springfield, continues push for state funds – ABC7 Chicago, May 9, 2024
Earlier in the day, Johnson held a meet-and-greet with lawmakers and labor leaders at the American Federation of Labor & Congress of Industrial Organizations, or AFL-CIO, Illinois headquarters.
Secret Service building secret Democratic convention communications center in southern suburb – Chicago Sun-Times, May 9, 2024
A central communications center overseeing all security and public safety operations for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this August is under construction in a secret location in a southern suburb in what was once a big retail store, the Sun-Times has learned.
Opinion: Metra leaders didn’t exactly embrace the idea of a regionwide super agency for public transportation – Daily Herald, May 10, 2024
Hearings are expected to begin within weeks on a proposal to merge Metra, the Chicago Transit Authority, Pace and the Regional Transportation Authority into a single overarching body called the Metropolitan Mobility Authority, whose acronym, MMA, may be a fitting corollary for the bureaucratic fights that could lie ahead.
LaSalle Street, West Loop offices rife with vacancy are in play – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 9, 2024
A handful of downtown office buildings with lots of empty space are in position to be sold or seized by lenders at sharp discounts to their pre-pandemic values, more data points showing the malaise of the local office sector.
Friends of the Parks ‘prepared to fight for the lakefront’ in battle over new Bears domed stadium – Chicago Sun-Times, May 8, 2024
Friends of the Parks is “prepared to fight for the lakefront” but not ready to say if that will mean mounting a legal challenge to prevent the Bears from building a domed stadium. A Republican chiropractor from Millstadt, Schmidt topped Greenwood in something of an upset in 2022, winning by nearly 6 percentage points after criticizing Democratic tax, climate and COVID lockdown policies.
Biden headlines Chicago fundraiser, bringing in more than $2 million for reelection campaign – Chicago Sun-Times, May 8, 2024
President Joe Biden returned to Chicago on Wednesday to scoop up more than $2 million for his reelection bid, sources told the Sun-Times, tapping into the deep pockets of Democratic megadonors a month after collecting some $2.5 million at another fundraiser in the city.
Johnson’s transit board pick sails through a vote — and learns of looming fiscal cliff – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 8, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s latest appointment to the Regional Transportation Authority Board is another politically connected pastor who until today was unaware of the $730 million fiscal cliff facing the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace.
CTA Touts Report Showing Transit’s Key Role in Chicago Region – But Agency President Quiet on Proposal to Merge CTA, Metra and Pace – WTTW, May 8, 2024
The Chicago region would face devastating consequences for residents without its public transportation system, including a huge spike in pollution, a major drop in economic activity and millions of canceled activities, according to a new study.
State officials offer last goodbye to former Thompson Center as renovations begin – Capitol News Illinois, May 8, 2024
State officials kicked off the private renovation of the building which once served as the state government’s Chicago headquarters. The James R. Thompson Center, as it was known under state ownership, was sold in 2022 to a development firm that is renovating the building for its to-be occupant, Google. In exchange for the building, the state received $30 million and a $75 million office building on LaSalle Street in Chicago.
Some hope summer EBT program reaches more in need – The Center Square, May 8, 2024
More than a million children across Illinois are projected to be eligible for Mayor Brandon Johnson’s federally backed plan to help keep families fed this summer. State Rep. La Shawn Ford, D-Chicago, is hoping to see Johnson’s Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for Children, projected to benefit more than a million children, adjusted to benefit even more residents.
Noting Campus Protests, Democrats Are Preparing for Intense Action at the DNC in Chicago This Summer – WTTW, May 7, 2024
As pro-Palestinian demonstrations escalate on college campuses around the country, critics of President Joe Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war suggest this summer’s Democratic National Convention could be hit by protests and scenes of chaos that undermine his reelection campaign.
Pritzker downplays protest risks for Dems’ convention in Chicago – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 7, 2024
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, the billionaire who championed Chicago’s bid for the Democratic National Convention, dismissed concerns about a repeat of historic riots as the city beefs up security measures for the August presidential nominating event.
Chicago cops plan job swap with Milwaukee for conventions – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 7, 2024
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said Milwaukee and Chicago’s police departments will do a officer swap to increase presence in both cities during their respective political conventions this summer.
Colleges ripped for agreeing to hear Israel divestment demands – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 7, 2024
Northwestern University and Brown University headed off the police crackdowns that hit campuses from New York to California last week by making concessions to pro-Palestinian protesters. Now they’re being slammed by critics who say they capitulated to an angry mob.
News in brief: Transportation committee to vote on controversial RTA board appointment; License committee to align 23rd Ward peddling prohibitions to new boundaries – The Daily Line, May 8, 2024
Alderpeople on Wednesday will consider a new transit board appointment that has drawn some questions, and the license committee will consider a measure to align a longstanding ban on peddlers within the 23rd Ward with the new ward boundaries.
Public safety committee approves noise sensitivity regulations around West Loop abortion clinic – The Daily Line, May 8, 2024
The City Council’s public safety committee Tuesday approved an ordinance that designates the area around a West Loop abortion clinic as a noise-sensitive zone. The proposal is aimed at addressing frequent protests around the clinic that interfere with patients’ ability to access care and clinic operations.
City Hall thrown under the bus: Report rips ‘do nothing’ effort to save Greyhound terminal – Chicago Sun-Times, May 7, 2024
The city of Chicago has adopted a “do nothing approach” and offered no substantial plan to either purchase the station or propose an alternate site before Greyhound’s lease ends in October, according to the report by DePaul University’s Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development.
City workers who accused Water Department supervisors of racism agree to tentative $5.8 million settlement – Chicago Sun-Times, May 7, 2024
The city of Chicago has reached a tentative $5.8 million settlement with Water Department employees who said they were subjected to racist comments from managers and shorted on overtime and promotions.
Lake, Porter County voters have contested races to choose from in Tuesday’s primary – Chicago Tribune, May 7, 2024
As Lake and Porter County residents head to the polls Tuesday, they will face a few contested races, including Republican candidates for governor and Republican candidates for U.S. House of Representatives District 1.
A good deal for the suburbs? Transit merger proposal raises questions about finances, fairness – Daily Herald, May 6, 2024
Ripple effects continue from a proposal to abolish the boards of Metra, Pace, the Chicago Transit Authority and the Regional Transportation Authority and merge the four agencies into one.
Martin calls on mayor to fill vacancies on Board of Ethics as two additional expiring terms loom – The Daily Line May 7, 2024
The chair of the City Council ethics committee is calling on the mayor to fill two open seats on the Chicago Board of Ethics before two more potential vacancies become effective. Ald. Matt Martin (47), who chairs the Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight, is criticizing Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office for failing to appoint people to fill two open spots on the ethics board.
Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard vetoes hiring of former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot – Chicago Sun-Times, May 6, 2024
Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard vetoed action by trustees to hire former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to conduct a probe into the mayor and village finances during a raucous Village Board meeting Monday.
Probe Opened Into Allegations of Excessive Force by Chicago Police Officers During Pro-Palestinian Protests – WTTW, May 6, 2024
Investigators began probing allegations on Monday that Chicago police officers used excessive force against pro-Palestinian protestors outside the Art Institute of Chicago, officials said.
UChicago Protest Encampment Cleared After Police, Student Standoff – Block Club Chicago, May 6, 2024
University of Chicago officials cleared the encampment at the campus’ quad amid a standoff between university police and students early Tuesday. Students set up the encampment last week as part of a nationwide movement at universities to show solidarity with Palestinians demanding an end to Israeli military action in Gaza.
Congress calls on Northwestern University president to testify – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 6, 2024
The House Committee on Education & the Workforce is calling on Northwestern University President Michael Schill to testify before the congressional body on May 23. The Republican-led committee is the same one that grilled the leaders of Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University and MIT over reports of antisemitism on their campuses.
Two of Chicago’s pension plans could deplete assets by 2030, report warns – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 6, 2024
As Mayor Brandon Johnson searches for a fix for the city’s pension challenges, a liberal-leaning nonprofit is warning the situation could become dire as early as 2030. That’s according to a new report from the Center for Tax & Budget Accountability, or CTBA, which examined Chicago’s four public employee pensions.
Report rips city, state inaction as Loop Greyhound terminal faces closure – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 7, 2024
Just a few months remain before the impending shutdown of the West Loop Greyhound bus station threatens to leave 500,000 riders a year without easy access to affordable transportation, but neither the city nor state seems interested in doing much about it.
Reproductive rights, LGBTQ coalition becomes latest group to sue city over DNC protest permit denials – The Daily Line, May 6, 2024
A coalition of reproductive and LGBTQ rights organizations has become the latest group to sue the city after it denied the groups a permit to march downtown just before during the Democratic National Convention (DNC) this summer.
Optimism, doubt ahead of Johnson’s Treatment Not Trauma mental health plan – Chicago Tribune, May 6, 2024
Belmont Cragin residents were filing into the cafeteria at Prieto Math and Science Academy last month to weigh in on Mayor Brandon Johnson’s signature plan to overhaul Chicago’s mental health system when they got unexpected evidence that the bold, still largely theoretical plan remains a focus at City Hall.
Cinco de Mayo parade cut short after report of shots fired along route – Chicago Sun-Times, May 6, 2024
The annual Little Village Cinco de Mayo parade was rerouted and then cut short Sunday after shots were fired along the parade route, officials said, though paradegoers still reveled the chance to celebrate Mexican culture and history.
Chicago’s top cop defends clearing officers with connections to extremist group – WBEZ, May 6, 2024
A group of Chicago police officers admitted they were in contact with the Oath Keepers – and many acknowledged they even joined what would become a nationally notorious, anti-government group.
President Biden hits Chicago Wednesday for fundraiser; VP Harris arrives May 16 for North Shore funder – Chicago Sun-Times, May 5, 2024
A month after collecting about $2.5 million for his re-election bid, President Joe Biden returns to Chicago on Wednesday to scoop up at least another $1 million, while Vice President Kamala Harris hits the North Shore for a fundraiser May 16. Chicago is a deep, deep well of major Democratic campaign cash.
Johnson’s Senior Leadership Team More Diverse Than Previous Mayors’ Cabinets: Analysis – WTTW, May 6, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s senior leadership team and his picks to serve on key panels with citywide authority are more racially diverse than the cabinets who advised his two predecessors, according to a WTTW News analysis.
Pro-Palestinian camps remain at Chicago-area campuses; 68 arrested at the School of the Art Institute – Chicago Sun-Times, May 5, 2024
Several pro-Palestinian encampments remained Sunday at Chicago-area campuses after nearly 70 people were arrested at the School of the Art Institute. They are among about 2,500 people who have been arrested at about 50 campuses nationwide since April 18.
Kaegi’s closure of ‘apartment loophole’ leads to skyrocketing reassessments for affected properties – The Daily Line, May 3, 2024
As part of the ongoing reassessment of Chicago, Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi’s office has reclassified numerous mixed-use properties as it works to address a loophole that the county inspector general said was allowing some commercial properties to unfairly get tax breaks.
