As of Friday morning, House and Senate Democrat leadership and Gov. J.B. Pritzker reportedly reached a budget agreement. Even so, no FY 2025 budget amendments have been introduced yet. Gov. Pritzker’s proposed revenue adjustments, which would add an estimated $1.098B in annual revenue, were the largest obstacle preventing an agreement from occurring earlier in the week. Many of those changes are expected to be included in the final budget, with some tweaks from Gov. Pritzker’s February budget proposal.

SB 251 is expected to be amended into the FY 2025 budget. The bill is on third reading in the Senate. It will require at least two additional days after Friday to be passed out of both chambers: one day for third reading in the Senate and first reading in the House, a second day for second reading in the House, and one final day for third reading in the House.

SB 3410 is expected to become the FY 2025 budget implementation bill (BIMP). It already passed out of the Senate in April, as a gambling disorders bill, and been read twice in the House. SB 3410 could pass the House on third reading and pass the Senate on concurrence all before the end of the night on Friday.

Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide

May 24 – Scheduled Adjournment Date

May 25-31 – Contingent Session Days for Budget

November 5 – 2024 General Election

In the News

 

Illinois Democrats still at odds over tax hike proposals as budget talks again head into overtime – Chicago Tribune, May 23, 2024

Despite their iron-clad control in Springfield, Illinois Democrats for the second straight year will be unable to meet a self-imposed deadline for approving a state spending plan as Gov. J.B. Pritzker faces pushback from his own party on more than $900 million in tax hikes.

Judge halts election law that blocked Republican candidates from appearing on November ballot – Chicago Sun-Times, May 23, 2024

A judge in Springfield this week sided with a group of Republican office seekers who say they are blocked from November’s ballot under a controversial new law that’s been derided as a “dictator-style tactic of stealing an election.”

Durbin renews call for Alito to recuse himself in 2020 election cases – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 22, 2024

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin is calling on Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito to recuse himself from cases related to 2020 election interference in the wake of reports that flags tied to the Jan. 6 insurrection have flown outside his home as well as his vacation home.

Political operative charged with sending obscene messages to state senator – WGN, May 23, 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.

Illinois plan curbing underage purchase, drinking of alcopop heads to Pritzker – WAND, May 23, 2024

The Illinois House unanimously passed a plan Thursday to curb the amount of young people purchasing fruit flavored malt drinks containing 4-6% alcohol. This bill requires retailers to separate soda and juice from liquor that looks like soda.

Illinois could be 19th state to phase out subminimum wage for disabled workers – Capitol News Illinois, May 23, 2024

After years of negotiations and continued opposition from service providers, Illinois appears poised to prohibit employers from using a federal exemption that allows them to pay individuals with disabilities less than the minimum wage.

Pritzker pans Madison County separation question during visit to new transit facility – First Alert, May 23, 2024

In April, the county board voted 15-7 to place an advisory question on the Nov. 5 ballot that asks if county officials should seek input from other counties about separation. The question has no legal ramifications and numerous scholars agree that separation would be nearly impossible.

Opinion: ‘Justice-impacted individual’ is a ‘doublethink’ phrase that could come back to haunt Gov. J.B. Pritzker – Chicago Tribune, May 24, 2024

Right-wing Twitter sure went to town with “justice-impacted individual” this week, it being the kind of clueless phraseology that positively invites ridicule. Gov. J.B. Pritzker would be wise to strike it when it hits his desk before even more reputational damage is done to the state of Illinois.

Opinion: Legislators take another half-hearted swing at a vexing issue – The News-Gazette, May 24, 2024

Property-tax bills have been landing in local mailboxes, and their recipients have been complaining bitterly — mostly to themselves. It’s not hard to understand why. Property taxes in Illinois are among the nation’s highest, if not the highest.

House passes union-led bill banning ‘captive audiences’ – The Daily Line, May 23, 2024

The House voted Wednesday to pass a bill that would prevent employees from being forced to sit through explicitly political or religious meetings. The House voted 79-30 to pass SB3649, which would prohibit an employer from retaliating against any employee who does not wish to attend an employer-led meeting on a political or religious subject.

Judge temporarily blocks hastily passed election law that favored Democrats in November – Chicago Tribune, May 22, 2024

A judge in Springfield on Wednesday issued a temporary injunction blocking a law passed by Democrats that would have prevented Republicans from slating candidates for legislative races not filled in the March primary. Sangamon County Judge Gail Noll issued the order pending a hearing on June 3, which had been the statutory date for filling the unfilled candidate slots on the Nov. 5 ballot.

Contractor sues Illinois Tollway, alleging breach of $323 million contract – Chicago Tribune, May 22, 2024

A contractor that says its $323 million contract for work on the massive Interstate 294 reconstruction project was improperly terminated has sued the Illinois Tollway. Judlau Contracting, a New York-based company, says in its lawsuit that it had started work on the interchange of Interstate 290 and Interstate 88 when its contract was terminated by the Illinois Tollway on May 16.

Legislation to raise the minimum wage for tipped workers in Illinois stalls – The Center Square, May 22, 2024

Amid a tremendous amount of pushback from restaurant groups and workers in the service industry, a measure to raise the tipped wage has stalled at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield. House Bill 5345 from state Rep. Lisa Hernandez, D-Cicero, would mandate that tipped workers are paid at least minimum wage, not including tips.

Proposal would freeze Illinois’ gas tax increase for two years – The Center Square, May 22, 2024

Illinois has one of the highest gasoline taxes in the country, so now some Illinois lawmakers want to prevent the tax from increasing for two years. The gas tax in Illinois is just over 45 cents per gallon and will increase to 47 cents in July.

Welch’s staff rips speaker, Senate president as unionization bill stalls – The Daily Line, May 22, 2024

Staff for House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) ripped the speaker and Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) for not advancing a bill this spring that would allow legislative staff to unionize.

Illinois congresswoman travels to Manhattan to back Trump, calls trial a ‘witch hunt’ – The State Journal-Register, May 21, 2024

Supporters of Donald Trump flocked to Manhattan on Monday, standing behind the former president heading into day 19 of his hush-money trial. Among them was U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, R-Oakland.

Legislation to end subminimum wage for tipped workers stalls, but advocates plan to keep pushing – Chicago Tribune, May 21, 2024

Legislation to eliminate the subminimum wage for tipped workers statewide appears unlikely to pass before lawmakers adjourn this week, but the coalition pushing the measure vowed Tuesday to continue efforts to bring the rest of Illinois in line with the city of Chicago.

Potawatomi land transfer advances in Illinois House – Farmers Weekly Review, May 21, 2024

A bill that would help the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation expand their newly established reservation in DeKalb County advanced out of a state House committee Tuesday, despite concerns about the tribe’s long-term plans for the property.

Fix for Illinois arsonist registry heads to governor’s desk – The Pantagraph, May 21, 2024

Legislation that will allow for Illinois police and fire officials to implement the state’s long-neglected arsonist registry is heading to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk. The Illinois Senate approved the bill last week with no opposition, about a month after it cleared the Illinois House.

Bill cracking down on threats against libraries heads to Illinois Senate – WGEM, May 21, 2024

The Illinois House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday cracking down on threats against libraries. The bill would treat threats against libraries like schools. It comes after a wave of threats against libraries, which includes 22 bomb threats between July and Sept. 2023 according to the Secretary of State’s office.

Five bills to watch as lawmakers wind down spring session – Axios, May 20, 2024

It’s the final week of the spring session in Springfield, and the race is on to get bills passed before Friday’s deadline. Why it matters: If lawmakers don’t get their bills passed this week, they’ll likely have to wait until fall’s veto session, where it becomes much harder.

Illinois legislators call for meaningful property tax relief, not another study – The Center Square, May 20, 2024

Gov. J.B. Pritzker could have another chance to create a task force to conduct a study of Illinois’ property tax system after a measure advanced both chambers despite some saying it will be a waste of time.

Pilot Local Food Infrastructure Grant to become permanent fund under new law – Now Decatur, May 20, 2024

A pilot program that has given nearly $2 million to local farms would be expanded into a permanent fund under a measure that received unanimous approval in the House. Senate Bill 3077, which also got a unanimous vote in the Senate last month, would create a special fund for the Department of Agriculture to administer the Local Food Infrastructure Grant Program.

Commission approves audit of emergency management agency shakeup – The Center Square, May 20, 2024

The Illinois Legislative Audit Commission is looking to get to the bottom of a recent shakeup at the Illinois Emergency Management Agency that stems from overbilling taxpayers to the tune of nearly a quarter million dollars.

Suburban Chicago leaders call on the state of Illinois to increase local government funding – Chicago Tribune, May 20, 2024

Monday, nearly 50 mayors, village presidents and other municipal leaders representing nearly 4.5 million suburban Chicago residents, gathered outside the quad of Elmhurst University to call on the Illinois General Assembly to raise the Local Government Distributive Fund and roll back on a myriad of unfunded mandates passed in the last decade.

Three Illinois cities will pay you thousands to move there – WCIA, May 20, 2024

At least three cities in the state — including two in Central Illinois — are offering to pay people thousands of dollars to move there. Under certain conditions, of course. These opportunities come as the state of Illinois has lost around 240,000 people since the turn to the 2020s, according to new Census figures released this week.

Editorial: Businesses know it’s good to be in Illinois. Here’s why. – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 20, 2024

The business community turned its nose up at Illinois for years, and rightly so. That’s because on nearly every fiscal metric, Illinois was nothing short of abysmal. But our economic ecosystem today is hardly recognizable from years past.

Financial turnaround? – Capitol City Now, May 20, 2024

Illinois is completing a financial turnaround, according to a University of Illinois report. “The pandemic, ironically, (gave the state) a large influx of money, and I think that was spent in an appropriate way,” said David Merriman, co-author of a study called Finding the Balance: State Fiscal Sustainability and Local Government Challenges. “The economy is doing much better than anyone expected coming out of the pandemic.

Here’s a global biz that Illinois still dominates – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 16, 2024

The days have largely gone by in which Illinois could boast of being No. 1 at anything. Printing and steel and skyscraper construction are all in eclipse. But there is one facet of the economy in which the state still stands virtually supreme: It is the nation’s top producer of soybeans, which have emerged as the bulwark of the regional farm economy.

With 1 week left in session, Pritzker admin says all revenue options remain on the table – Capitol News Illinois, May 17, 2024

While the governor’s office instructed its agency directors to prepare for $800 million in potential budget cuts last week, all facets of his plan to raise $1.1 billion in revenue to avoid those cuts remain under consideration.

Hundreds of bills pass, including changes to state’s biometric data privacy law – Capitol News Illinois, May 17, 2024

Lawmakers passed more than 200 bills this week ahead of their scheduled May 24 adjournment. Many of the measures will soon head to Gov. JB Pritzker, including a bill that changes how damages accrue under Illinois’ first-in-the-nation biometric data privacy law.

Lawmakers set to wrangle over tax hikes, insurance reforms in final days of session – Chicago Tribune, May 20, 2024

Democrats who control the Illinois General Assembly head into the final days of the spring legislative session with several of the major initiatives Gov. J.B. Pritzker laid out in his February budget proposal, from about $900 million in tax hikes to legislation challenging the insurance industry, still unresolved.

‘Only so much to go around’: Spending demands mount as Illinois lawmakers craft budget – The State Journal-Register, May 20, 2024

“Tight” is the term Gov. JB Pritzker and those within his office have used most frequently to describe the state’s budget in the upcoming fiscal year. Still, dozens of groups have barnstormed the Capitol in recent weeks with hopes to get a larger slice of a $52.7 billion pie.

State’s reliance on income taxes doubled over past 20 years – Daily Herald, May 18, 2024

Illinois has only been collecting an income tax for 55 of the state’s 206-year history, but it could soon account for more than 60% of the state’s general fund revenue. That’s according to a new report from the Illinois General Assembly’s Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability that estimates the state will receive nearly $31.4 billion in state income tax revenue in the next fiscal year that begins in July.

Pritzker plays coy on presidential ambitions at City Club – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 17, 2024

In his first appearance with the City Club of Chicago since he imposed a ban on state officials participating in the public affairs group’s events, Gov. J.B. Pritzker danced around questions over his next campaign.

Lawmakers propose tightened security around the Capitol – WCIA, May 17, 2024

A bipartisan group of lawmakers wants the state to beef up security around the Capitol Complex. In the past few months, the Capitol has been both locked down and evacuated on three separate occasions due to threats that are called in.

House passes bill allowing daycare centers to operate 24 hours in Illinois – WGEM, May 17, 2024

Daycare centers in Illinois may soon be able to operate 24 hours per day. The state House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill Friday allowing daycares to operate 24 hours and provide care for children up to 12 hours at a time if their parent has a job requiring regularly scheduled shifts.

Chicago newsrooms get $1.6 million in grants to strengthen local journalism – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 23, 2024

As part of an initiative to invest in local journalism, 13 newsrooms around Chicago will receive over $1.6 million in grants. The funds come from Press Forward Chicago, the local arm of the national Press Forward initiative led by the MacArthur Foundation to fund and sustain local news operations.

Northwestern president grilled by Republicans about deal with pro-Palestinian protesters – Chicago Sun-Times, May 23, 2024

House Republicans attacked Northwestern University President Michael Schill during a Congressional hearing on Thursday about the agreement he made with pro-Palestinian student organizers to end an encampment on his campus, blasting the deal as a capitulation to what they allege are antisemitic activists.

Mayor Brandon Johnson, other Chicagoans attend White House state dinner – Chicago Sun-Times, May 23, 2024

At a decorated pavilion on the South Lawn of the White House, President Joe Biden and first lady Jill hosted a state dinner on Thursday night for Kenyan President William Ruto and his wife, Rachel, with Mayor Brandon Johnson and former U.S. Sen. Carol Moseley Braun among the Chicagoans at the gala.

Mayoral allies in hot water over social media posts – Chicago Sun-Times, May 23, 2024

Two members of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s political inner circle are under fire for making inflammatory and “hateful comments” on social media.

Johnson has no easy options in appointing Zoning Committee chair – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 24, 2024

After six months without a permanent leader running the City Council’s influential Zoning Committee, Mayor Brandon Johnson is no closer to finding an easy solution to fill the void.

Brandon Johnson’s City Hall gives $38.5 million in deals to businesses tied to North Side bar owner, lawyer cited for improper lobbying – Chicago Sun-Tumes, May 24, 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.

Losses pile up in top-rated bonds backed by commercial real estate debt – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 23, 2024

For the first time since the financial crisis, investors in top-rated bonds backed by commercial real estate debt are getting hit with losses. Buyers of the AAA portion of a $308 million note backed by the mortgage on the 1740 Broadway building in midtown Manhattan got less than three-quarters of their original investment back earlier this month after the loan was sold at a steep discount.

Brown Line station rehab could disrupt some weekend service through late 2025 – Chicago Tribune, May 23, 2024

The CTA is set to begin a $19 million upgrade to a Lincoln Square Brown Line station, and that will mean some weekend service disruptions to parts of the line.

Utility tries to bring a new spin on hospitality industry shows, with a focus on independent restaurants – Chicago Tribune, May 23, 2024

Thousands of restaurant owners, big-box franchisees and hospitality industry staffers head to Chicago each May to participate in the National Restaurant Association Show at McCormick Place.

Johnson hiring head of progressive political party that helped push him into office – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 22, 2024

Looking to shore up his relationship with the movement that elevated him to City Hall, Mayor Brandon Johnson is hiring the head of the progressive political party central to the left’s electoral organizing in Chicago for the last decade.

City Council votes to take control of ShotSpotter contract – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 22, 2024

After an effort to stall a vote fell just short, the City Council approved a measure that casts into question Mayor Brandon Johnson’s decision to end the city’s controversial contract with gunshot detection company ShotSpotter.

Resolution calling for Carter’s ouster from CTA gets sidetracked – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 22, 2024

A symbolic resolution calling for the firing of the embattled head of the Chicago Transit Authority stalled out today at a City Council meeting. The resolution, introduced by Alds. Andre Vasquez, 40th, and Matt Martin, 47th, with 27 co-sponsors, calls for Mayor Brandon Johnson to replace CTA President Dorval Carter, joining the growing chorus calling for the transit chief’s ouster.

Johnson pushing to fire official in charge of city contracts – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 22, 2024

Mayor Brandon Johnson has found it difficult to fire the head of the city department charged with handling city contracts, despite fielding complaints from the City Council and contractors.

Who’s in Brandon Johnson’s cabinet? Many are holdovers from the administrations he often criticizes. – The Daily Line, May 22, 2024

The vast majority of people leading city departments in Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration have extensive experience in Chicago city government. But people who have never worked in city government are the ones closest to the mayor, in senior leadership positions within his office.

CTA unveils ideas for open space under revamped L tracks in Edgewater, Uptown – Chicago Sun-Times, May 22, 2024

Skate parks, dog parks, fitness spaces, playgrounds, walking paths and areas for outdoor markets, all shaded under L tracks on the North Side. Those were some of the proposals in the Chicago Transit Authority’s vision for more than a mile of new open space under renovated Red Line tracks stretching from West Lawrence to West Ardmore avenues in Edgewater and Uptown.

Citywide Rapid Bus Route Should Come To Western Avenue, Aldermen Say – Block Club Chicago, May 22, 2024

A group of City Council members led by two North Side aldermen are asking the city’s transit agency to consider adding rapid bus service to Western Avenue, Chicago’s longest continuous street. Alds. Matt Martin (47th) and Andre Vasquez’s (40th) offices have been advocating for the addition of a rapid transit bus route along Western Avenue within their wards this year.

In possible DNC preview, Gov. J.B. Pritzker mocks ex-President Donald Trump – Chicago Tribune, May 22, 2024

Before a captive crowd of national media members in Chicago on Wednesday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker heaped scorn upon former President Donald Trump, saying the presumptive GOP presidential nominee is cruel, wants to be a dictator and is “waiting to become the first felon elected president.”

Taxpayers Spend Another $1.3M to Settle Lawsuits Accusing CPD Officers of Misconduct During Protests, Unrest in 2020 – WTTW, May 22, 2024

The Chicago City Council voted Wednesday to pay nearly $1.3 million to resolve two lawsuits alleging Chicago police officers committed misconduct during the protests and unrest during the summer of 2020 that were triggered by the police murder of George Floyd.

Experts caution safety as beach season opens Friday: Half of all Great Lakes drownings occur in Lake Michigan – Chicago Tribune, May 23, 2024

For Pam Kaloustian, the opening of beach season in Chicago signifies something special. As an avid swimmer, Kaloustian travels to Oak Street Beach at least once a week every summer to enjoy the water, sun and sights.

City Council member angered by game of musical committee chairs – Chicago Sun-Times, May 21, 2024

Ald. Emma Mitts (37th) said Tuesday she accepted Mayor Brandon Johnson’s offer to chair the City Council’s Housing Committee, only to be told by a top mayoral aide the job she covets has been promised to Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35th), who was forced out of Council leadership after bullying and intimidating her.

Resolution for removal of CTA president to be introduced at City Council, alderpeople expected to call for votes on deferred ShotSpotter measure, Chief Information Officer appointment – The Daily Line, May 22, 2024

The City Council on Wednesday will consider giving final confirmation votes to a new member of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) board and six members of the civilian police oversight commission.

2 more Cook County sheriff’s correctional officers accused of PPP fraud – Chicago Sun-Times, May 21, 2024

Two Cook County sheriff’s correctional officers have been indicted on charges of defrauding the federal Paycheck Protection Program, bringing the total number of the county’s jail guards accused of ripping off the program to three.

Amid campus protests against Israel-Hamas war, student journalists assume the spotlight – Chicago Tribune, May 22, 2024

It was an unusual gathering. Amid a torrential downpour, two high-ranking University of Notre Dame officials and a handful of student organizers huddled under a tree late at night. The students had attempted to erect a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus May 2. Now, they hoped to negotiate.

Protesters prep for the DNC spotlight: Crain’s Daily Gist podcast – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 22, 2024

From prosecutors to legal coaches for protesters, preparations are underway for the Democratic National Convention this summer in Chicago. Crain’s politics reporter Leigh Giangreco talks with host Amy Guth about lawyers making the rounds with protesters and plans from various agencies, including the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Downtown Teen Curfew Remains This Summer Despite Mayor Johnson Saying He’s Not A Fan – Block Club Chicago, May 21, 2024

A controversial policy banning unaccompanied minors from two Downtown parks on weekend evenings remains in effect this summer. The rule is in place Thursday-Sunday, including during free special events.

Metra seeks feedback on train schedules – Chicago Sun-Times, May 17, 2024

Metra has launched a rider survey to help adjust its train schedules. Metra had long prioritized morning and evening rush-hour trips to and from the Loop, but travel habits have permanently changed as more people shifted to remote work.

Ordinance allowing extra-dense downtown housing moves on to City Council – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 21, 2024

A measure allowing developers to provide more residential units in Chicago’s largest buildings was approved in committee today after a competing proposal to restrict the extra density to existing buildings was shot down.

Developers propose nearly 1,800 apartments for Fulton Market – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 21, 2024

A pair of major developments in the pipeline for Fulton Market could pivot to residential complexes that would bring nearly 1,800 apartments to the neighborhood, a reflection of developers betting on a hot rental market as demand for other types of commercial space wanes.

State rep proposes reset for Bears, White Sox in negotiations with Chicago for public funding in new stadium proposals – WGN, May 21, 2024

With the Bears stadium proposal facing fourth-and-long and the White Sox ballpark pitch trailing in the bottom of the ninth inning, a Chicago state representative wants to reset negotiations. “We can’t let the conversation die because negotiations were not successful for the first pitch,” State Rep. La Shawn Ford said.

Lawmakers trying to ensure women’s sports aren’t left out of any Chicago Bears stadium deal –Chicago Tribune, May 16, 2024

As the Chicago Bears’ proposed lakefront stadium plans remain in Springfield purgatory, some Democratic lawmakers are using the opportunity to begin discussions about public funding for women’s professional sports facilities should the Bears’ plans see movement in the legislature.

Chicago police, city officials appear to miss goals on meeting requirement to report and review when officers point their weapons – Chicago Tribune, May 21, 2024

Five years after pledging to firm up recordkeeping on incidents where police officers point their weapons at people while performing their duties, the Chicago Police Department and other city officials appear to have fallen short of goals outlined in a federal consent decree guiding reform, the Tribune has found.

Budget committee hears about proposed budget calendar, approves appointment of new COFA director – The Daily Line, May 21, 2024

The City Council Committee on Budget and Government Operations on Monday approved a measure that appoints a new director of the City Council Office of Financial Analysis (COFA) and establishes new rules for the appointment and tenure of financial analysis office directors.

News in brief: Police and fire committee to reconsider stalled police oversight board appointment; Zoning committee to vote on vacant storefront ordinance; Education committee to hold hearing on Alternative Schools Network program – The Daily Line, May 21, 2024

Alderpeople will reconsider the appointment of the remaining nominated member of the city’s civilian police oversight body on Tuesday, the zoning committee will consider new regulations for vacant storefronts and the education committee will hold a hearing on a network of schools that target at-risk youth.

Johnson hints at a new tax on professional services – Crain’s Chicago Business, May 17, 2024

Chicago is a safer investment than the ratings agencies give it credit for, city officials told municipal bond investors today. City Chief Financial Officer Jill Jaworski said recent policy changes to shore up the city’s beleaguered pension plans will continue through Mayor Brandon Johnson’s first term and Chicago’s diverse economy will fuel the growth necessary to buffer the city’s tax base.

County board approves two ARPA-funded pilot programs for prospective homeowners – The Daily Line, May 20, 2024

The Cook County Board of Commissioners approved resolutions to authorize two affordable housing pilot programs worth a cumulative $15 million during its regular meeting Thursday.

News in brief: Budget committee to vote on code changes for Council Office of Financial Analysis directors; County Board to honor Yarbrough at special meeting – The Daily Line, May 20, 2024

The City Council budget committee will consider changing its term limits for directors of the council’s financial analysis office, and the Cook County Board will honor the recently deceased county clerk during a special meeting.

Editorial: We studied the failure of Bring Chicago Home. Here’s what went wrong. – Chicago Sun-Times, May 20, 2024

We’ve studied the optics of the failed Bring Chicago Home measure — the way it was presented to the public — and crucial mistakes made by the supporting coalition in that regard. Here’s what we found about the proposal to raise revenue to create more affordable housing:

New hope? Why the Bears believe they will succeed where George Lucas failed – Chicago Sun-Times, May 17, 2024

Dazzling drawings, a cheerleader in the mayor’s office, and a possible new crown jewel for a lakefront already known as the “glory of Chicago.” It sounds a lot like the last few weeks, when the Bears proposed a new, publicly owned $4.7 billion lakefront development south of Soldier Field.

Protesters Stormed an Ex-Senator’s Office and Demanded She Leave. She Refused. – New York Times, May 17, 2024

Former Senator Heidi Heitkamp was sitting in her second floor office at the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics, preparing to appear on a television news show on Friday afternoon, when three pro-Palestinian protesters in masks and sunglasses burst in and ordered her to leave the building.

In pro-Palestinian rally at CPD station, coalition calls for mobilization ahead of DNC in August – Chicago Tribune, May 19, 2024

Outside the 18th District Chicago police station, a group gathered Sunday afternoon waving Palestinian flags and wearing kaffiyehs in the first of many actions ahead of the Democratic National Convention being held in the city in August. In a contentious election year, the rally encapsulated a growing feeling of discontent with the political establishment.