The Illinois General Assembly returned to Springfield for the first week of fall veto session on Tuesday and Wednesday. Both chambers cancelled their scheduled session day on Thursday. Committee and floor action was very limited. The Senate only held three committee hearings, and the House did not hold any.
Wednesday afternoon’s Senate Executive Committee Hearing featured extensive debate on SB 3968. The bill would ban carbon sequestration activity that “overlies, underlies, or passes through a sole-source aquifer,” such as the Mahomet Aquifer in Central Illinois. After hearing from proponents, opponents, and scientific experts, the bill was ultimately held in committee without a vote, at the request of Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) and Senate Executive Committee Chair Cristina Castro (D-Elgin).
Sen. Paul Faraci (D-Champaign) filed SB 3968 on October 11 in response to two leaks at ADM’s carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) facility in Decatur. The General Assembly passed the Safety and Aid for the Environment in Carbon Capture and Sequestration (SAFE CCS) Act (SB 1289) back in May and Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed it in into law on July 18. The SAFE CCS Act established a regulatory framework for new CCS projects. It also put a moratorium on new CCS projects until either July 2026 or when the federal government updates safety rules on carbon dioxide pipelines, but it did not establish any specific protections for sole-source aquifers. SB 3986 has bipartisan support from legislators in the Mahomet Aquifer region. Since the bill was not called in committee, legislators and stakeholders have more time negotiate before bringing it back in the second week of veto session, lame duck session, or the 2025 regular session.
Additionally, Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) and Sen. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) introduced the Fair Retirement and Recruitment Act (HB 5909/SB 3988). The legislation is meant to fix problems with Illinois’ Tier 2 pension system, such as making the Tier 2 retirement age the same as Tier 1, providing Tier 2 pension recipients with the same 3% COLA as Tier 1 recipients, and fixing the looming federal Social Security safe harbor issue for some Tier 2 pension recipients. Cost analysis on the proposal is not available yet, but it would likely increase state pension costs by billions. The pension bills have not been assigned to a substantive committee in either the House or Senate and did not receive any consideration in the first week of veto session. However, on Wednesday, many state employees rallied in Springfield in support of the proposal.
Legislators will return to Springfield for the second week of veto session from November 19 to 21. Expect to see more committee and floor action in the second week. Many of the larger and more controversial measures could be pushed to lame duck session at the beginning January.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
November 19-21 – Veto Session Week 2
January 2025 – Lame Duck Session (Unconfirmed)
January 2025 – 2025 General Assembly Session Begins (Dates TBD)
In the News
Senate GOP sounds alarm on impending projected $3.2 billion budget deficit – though it still might be early to do so, Dems counter – The Daily Line, November 15, 2024
Upon their return to Springfield early this week, Illinois Senate Republicans voiced concerns about the state’s looming $3.2 billion budget deficit projection.
Majority of voters in favor of millionaire income tax, property tax relief advisory referendum, former Gov. Pat Quinn says – The Daily Line, November 14, 2024
Former Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn said state voters showed sizable support for a graduated income tax structure affecting millionaires that would help give homeowners property tax relief.
‘You agreed to wear wires against your ComEd family’: Star witness in Madigan trial grilled on cross-examination – Capitol News Illinois, November 14, 2024
Before the sun rose on a cold Wednesday morning in January 2019, Fidel Marquez agreed to a life-altering assignment as a cooperating witness in a criminal case the government was building against his colleagues at electric utility Commonwealth Edison and powerful Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.
Democratic governors say they are leading state-level efforts to ‘protect democracy’ – PBS, November 13, 2024
Donald Trump isn’t the only one preparing for his return to the White House. Several Democratic governors are uniting, they say, to protect democracy at the state level during Trump’s second term in office. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis announced the launch of Governors Safeguarding Democracy. Pritzker joined Amna Nawaz to discuss more.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker isn’t surprised by Madison County’s recent secession vote – STLPR, November 15, 2024
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said he wasn’t surprised Madison County voted last week to approve an advisory referendum about forming a new state separate from the Chicago area.
Illinois House Republicans: Election results should be wake-up call for Democrats – WGEM, November 14, 2024
Illinois House Republicans believe voters sent Democrats a message at the ballot box, it’s time to change. Speaking at a press conference Wednesday, state House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, said it’s time the two parties work together to solve the state’s issues.
‘Wholesale attack’ on feds’ star witness opens door to testimony about criminal charges in Madigan trial – Chicago Sun Times, November 14, 2024
Madigan defense attorney Daniel Collins protested and acknowledged only that there had been a “light” cross-examination of Fidel Marquez. Judge John Blakey disagreed, telling the lawyers it had been “anything” but light.
‘The speaker jumped all over it’: Jurors hear call where Madigan talks about getting job for state rep’s wife – Chicago Tribune, November 14, 2024
State Rep. Jaime Andrade said earlier this year in a Tribune interview he didn’t know whether former House Speaker Michael Madigan had helped get his wife a job with the secretary of state in 2018.
After referendums pass, critics accuse IL legislature of ‘hoarding’ ballot space – The Center Square, November 14, 2024
After the passage of all three non-binding statewide referenda placed on the 2024 ballot by the state legislature, critics say the government hoarded ballot real estate, resulting in citizen initiatives not appearing for voters.
Legislator tells Pritzker to drop ‘macho man’ routine, work with Trump – The Center Square, November 15, 2024
A leading Illinois House Republican says Gov. J.B. Pritzker needs to stop his “macho man routine” and work with the incoming Trump administration to grow the state’s economy.
Lawmakers return to Springfield as projected budget deficit looms – Capitol News Illinois, November 13, 2024
Illinois lawmakers returned to Springfield Tuesday for the first time since May following news earlier this month that they’re facing a projected $3.2 billion budget deficit for the fiscal year that begins July 1.
Former Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn calls on lawmakers to put tax amendment on the 2026 ballot – WGEM, November 12, 2024
Former Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn (D) returned to the state capitol Tuesday to call on state lawmakers to listen to voters and put a constitutional amendment bringing property tax relief to homeowners on the 2026 ballot.
Defense hammers star Madigan witness on gun form gaffe, divorce, memory, motive: ‘Did you really believe that?’ – WBEZ Chicago, November 13, 2024
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and an ally are on trial for a racketeering conspiracy. Madigan is accused of leading a criminal enterprise designed to enhance his political power and enrich his allies.
With state facing $3B deficit, GOP senators call on Gov. JB Pritzker to promise no tax hikes – Chicago Tribune, November 12, 2024
On the first day of the Illinois legislature’s brief fall session, Republicans called on Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker to promise not to raise taxes to address a projected budget deficit of more than $3 billion.
Illinois lawmakers, experts present Underground Railroad Task Force report, historical preservation recommendations – The Daily Line, November 13, 2024
What was once documented primarily in local projects across the state will now come together as one cohesive, preserved historical record of the Underground Railroad in Illinois, state legislators and historians said during a Tuesday press conference.
Capitol Briefs: Former Gov. Quinn pushes for ‘millionaire tax’ amendment; – Capitol News Illinois, November 12, 2024
A week after ballots were cast, former Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn said the Nov. 5 election results show voters are willing to support a graduated income tax structure to provide property tax relief.
Defense in Madigan corruption trial confronts star government witness over jobs, favors – Chicago Tribune, November 12, 2024
Seizing on a tactic strengthened by a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, defense attorneys in the Michael Madigan corruption trial began their cross-examination of a key witness Tuesday by trying to distinguish between exchanging jobs for official actions and simply currying favor with the then-formidable House speaker.
Pritzker, Colo. Gov. Polis launch governors’ coalition to protect against ‘threats of autocracy’ under Trump – Chicago Sun Times, November 13, 2024
Gov. JB Pritzker cited environmental protections and the threat of mass deportations as the types of issues the coalition will be exploring.
Illinois House Speaker on Protecting Reproductive Rights, Balancing the State Budget – WTTW, November 12, 2024
The two-week veto session was already on the books for legislators, but now it comes on the heels of former President Donald Trump’s election win. Democratic leaders — who kept their veto-proof majorities in both the state House and state Senate — are discussing what, if any, actions the state may take to “shore up” protections ahead of a second Trump presidency.
Attorney General Kwame Raoul launches unit to investigate innocence claims – Chicago Tribune, November 12, 2024
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is launching a unit to investigate cases in which new evidence could prove the innocence of people convicted of serious crimes.
Defense takes first shot at key prosecution witness in Madigan trial – Chicago Sun Times, November 12, 2024
Patrick Cotter, defense attorney for a longtime Madigan ally, spent more than three hours cross-examining former ComEd executive Fidel Marquez, trying to methodically rehabilitate his client.
Illinois House Speaker reflects on election results, looks to the future of state government under Trump administration – Illinois Public Media, November 12, 2024
Today, the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives shares his thoughts on why Kamala Harris lost the election and discusses what Illinois Democrats will focus on during their veto session and the state budget.
Trump’s election a factor for Illinois’ veto session – Barrington Hills Observer, November 11, 2024
Veto session begins at the Illinois Statehouse in Springfield Tuesday and last week’s election of Donald Trump may be top of mind.
Welch, McCombie both declare victories as balance of the House appears unchanged – The Daily Line, November 11, 2024
A hard-fought election appears it will leave the Illinois House exactly where it has stood for the past two years with Democrats maintaining their record 78-member supermajority and Republicans preserving their 40 seats.
Officials aim to bolster Illinois protections as trans Midwesterners consider moving before 2nd Trump term – Chicago Sun Times, November 11, 2024
State Rep. Kelly Cassidy said there has been a coalition effort to protect trans and reproductive health care access since the Dobbs decision leaked, and Gov. JB Pritzker has been a part of that. Now legislators are looking at Project 2025 and Trump policy proposals to find holes in existing state protections.
Illinois U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, disappointed by Trump victory, hopes for bipartisanship – STLPR, November 11, 2024
While deeply disappointed with the results of last week’s elections, U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois, said she’s hoping to work with her Republican colleagues.
US Sen. Dick Durbin says Democrats’ minority status a consideration as he mulls reelection bid – Chicago Tribune, November 11, 2024
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin said Monday that last week’s election giving Republicans control of the chamber and leaving Democrats in the minority is now part of the calculus as he evaluates his political future.
When the state wants to give you money, take it – Chicago Sun Times, November 12, 2024
We could all use a little more money, times being what they are. And the state might have some unclaimed cash or property with your name on it.
7 downstate counties vote to consider seceding from Illinois to form new state – Chicago Sun Times, November 9, 2024
Majority-GOP counties join other counties that have approved similar nonbinding measures in recent years as residents have expressed disapproval of policies passed by the Democrat-led Illinois General Assembly and Chicago officials.
Furtive GOP votes, blue-state security blanket: What were suburbanites thinking this election? – The Daily Herald, November 9, 2024
Suburbanites secretly voting Republican coupled with blue-state laissez faire contributed to election surprises in the region, experts say.
Illinois Democrats head to Springfield next week ready ‘to fight Trump even harder’ in second term – Chicago Sun Times, November 8, 2024
Leaders of the Legislature’s Democratic supermajorities say they could advance additional protections for abortion rights, environmental protection measures and health care access — all of which could be vulnerable as President-elect Donald Trump returns to Washington.
Dems are revving their engines to further ‘Trump-proof’ Illinois – Chicago Sun Times, November 8, 2024
The governor listed “health care, reproductive rights” as areas that need to be explored. House Speaker Chris Welch says he and his colleagues have “a renewed determination to ensure our fundamental freedoms remain protected.”
Jury sees relentless ComEd job placement requests from Madigan co-defendant – Capitol News Illinois, November 8, 2024
Had they been any other job applicants, electric utility Commonwealth Edison likely wouldn’t have given a second look to candidates who made “politically inappropriate” comments during an interview, failed basic screening tests or didn’t even show up to take those tests – twice.
Welch says he has secured the votes for another term as House Speaker – Capitol Fax, November 8, 2024
House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch released the following statement Friday: I am grateful to the people of the 7th District for re-electing me to represent them in Springfield, and I am pleased to announce that I have secured the votes of my colleagues to continue to serve as Speaker of the House. I am honored by the trust my community and colleagues have placed in me.
Editorial: The Bears give the Michael Reese site a second look – Crain’s Chicago Business, November 15, 2024
As Crain’s was first to report Nov. 12, the Chicago Bears are now kicking the tires on a site the team had once declared unfit for a new stadium: the long-abandoned home of Michael Reese Hospital just south of the McCormick Place complex.
City Council unanimously rejects property tax increase proposal as mayor says he will ‘not negotiate my values’ – The Daily Line, November 15, 2024
The City Council voted down Mayor Brandon Johnson’s $300 million property tax increase proposal at a special meeting Thursday, meaning the city will have to find other ways to close a $982.4 million budget gap.
Leaders of incoming state’s attorney’s transition committee to include City Council finance chair, civilian police oversight board president – The Daily Line, November 15, 2024
Eileen O’Neill Burke, the former Illinois Appellate Court justice who will be sworn in as the next Cook County State’s Attorney next month, announced three key members of her transition team on Thursday.
Mayor Johnson sticks with underbudgeting for police lawsuits as actual spending soars – WBEZ Chicago, November 14, 2024
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 2025 budget proposal recommends the same funding level for Police Department settlements and court losses that the city has allocated annually for five years — an amount increasingly illusory as actual spending climbs higher and higher.
Mayor’s Property Tax Retreat Puts Budget Power In City Council’s Hands, Alderman Says – Block Club Chicago, November 14, 2024
With Mayor Brandon Johnson’s $300 million proposed property tax increase on the chopping block, Ald. Brendan Reilly said the council should press harder to find savings.
‘Empire of Neglected And Hazardous Vacant Lots’ Declares Bankruptcy, But City of Chicago Cries Fraud – Illinois Answers Project, November 14, 2024
City attorneys point to transfer of troubled properties to South Dakota shell companies and siphoning money from bank accounts in a court filing.
Mayor Brandon Johnson makes no promises after warnings over proposed police reform cuts – Chicago Tribune, November 14, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson on Thursday pushed back on criticism that his Chicago police budget plan endangers the department’s compliance with the federal consent decree, despite dire warnings from Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the court-ordered independent monitor.
48 hours aboard Amtrak’s new direct train from Chicago to Miami – Chicago Sun Times, November 14, 2024
The Sun-Times sent a reporter and photographer on the first run of the Floridian from Chicago to Miami — on one condition. We have to ride the whole way in coach.
Top mayoral aide says ‘worldview’ has changed since she openly pushed to defund police – Chicago Sun Times, November 14, 2024
Three members of Mayor Johnson’s City Council leadership team had demanded that Kennedy Bartley, chief external affairs officer, be fired for calling police “f—ing pigs” and talking openly about defunding police in a series of podcast interviews before taking her city job.
CTA Clark and Lake station to get overhaul as part of Thompson Center redevelopment – Chicago Tribune, November 14, 2024
The CTA’s busy Clark and Lake station is slated for an overhaul as part of the redevelopment of the James R. Thompson Center into a high-tech home for Google.
Loop landlords pitch taxing themselves to boost ailing downtown – Crain’s Chicago Business, November 15, 2024
A downtown landlord group is pitching a new self-imposed tax to fund improvements for the city’s central business district.
Fritz Kaegi OKed tax breaks for ‘low-income’ seniors, now demanding proof they qualify amid Sun-Times probe – Chicago Sun Times, November 15, 2024
The Cook County assessor’s move was prompted by a Sun-Times investigation that found the owner of a Winnetka mansion is getting the biggest tax savings on the “senior freeze” — over $67,000 this year and that Kaegi is still wrongly granting the tax breaks to businesses and people who claimed it on more than one property.
Durbin, Duckworth, House Democrats demand feds fix Legionella problem at Loop buildings – Chicago Sun Times, November 13, 2024
EPA employees sounded an alarm over health threats in August. A Rockford federal court building is also contaminated.
Illinois AG Raoul warns Mayor Johnson to reconsider police reform budget cuts or risk being held in contempt – Chicago Sun Times, November 13, 2024
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul joins a chorus of reforms advocates who have sounded the alarm about Johnson’s proposal to gut the police units vital to getting Chicago out from under a federal consent decree.
Trump makes gains among Chicago Latino voters unsatisfied with Democrats – Chicago Sun Times, November 13, 2024
Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris won the vast majority of Latino precincts in Chicago, but her margins were often smaller than Joe Biden’s in 2020. Residents told the Sun-Times it came down to the economy.
Aldermen struggle with Johnson’s ‘rudderless’ lobbying office amid budget negotiations – Chicago Tribune, November 13, 2024
A tense budget season for Mayor Brandon Johnson seems to be getting worse, with persistent staffing issues in the office tasked with lobbying the City Council emboldening many aldermen to try to seize control of the process from the self-styled “collaborator-in-chief.”
CTA Board Approves Last Budget Boosted By Pandemic-Era Stimulus, Pushes Dorval Carter for More Transparency and Collaboration – WTTW, November 13, 2024
The Chicago Transit Authority board approved Wednesday the agency’s $2.16 billion operating budget for 2025 – with CTA President Dorval Carter facing sharp questions from directors about proactive security measures, better engagement with the public and the board, and increased transparency.
40% drop in Metra trains could come in 2027, leaders warn – The Daily Herald, November 13, 2024
After months of warnings about the “fiscal cliff” facing transit agencies when COVID-19 relief money expires, Metra leaders provided a stark hypothetical Wednesday.
Amid budget negotiations, some on Council want to see unspent ARPA funds repurposed – The Daily Line, November 14, 2024
As the mayor and City Council negotiate alternatives to a $300 million property tax increase to balance the city’s budget and plug a $982.4 million gap, the prospect of repurposing federal pandemic relief funds could be back on the table.
Mayor ‘Negotiating’ On Property Tax Hike Amid Fierce City Council Opposition – Block Club Chicago, November 12, 2024
With alderpeople planning a vote against the proposed $300 million property tax increase later this week, Mayor Brandon Johnson shared few details about the negotiations during a Tuesday press conference.
Most budget hearings canceled through Tuesday as mayor, alderpeople negotiate alternatives to property tax hike – The Daily Line, November 13, 2024
With most of the City Council prepared to vote down Mayor Brandon Johnson’s $300 million property tax increase proposal, nearly all budget committee hearings on the mayor’s 2025 spending plan were canceled until early next week as the administration seeks alternative ways to close a nearly billion-dollar budget gap.
Public Safety Administration office defends budget amid accusations of cost-saving goals not materializing – The Daily Line, November 13, 2024
The Chicago Office of Public Safety Administration on Tuesday defended the size of its budget against alderpeople who argued that its promises to promulgate cost savings for the city hasn’t panned out.
Johnson’s $300M property tax increase will be ‘significantly decreased,’ top mayoral aide says – Chicago Sun Times, November 11, 2024
Twenty-two of the City Council’s 50 members met Saturday with top mayoral aides, including Johnson’s budget team, to begin negotiations that, some alderpersons said, should have started long before Johnson belatedly introduced his $17.3 billion budget.
Brandon Johnson’s police budget cuts would deal ‘devastating blow’ to reform push, federal monitor says – Chicago Sun Times, November 12, 2024
“The proposed budget cuts would be a step backward for the CPD reform process at a pivotal point — just when progress is starting to be felt,” said Maggie Hickey, the monitor tracking the Chicago Police Department’s compliance with a federal consent decree.
Oak Park Democrats commiserate in wake of Trump victory – Chicago Tribune, November 12, 2024
As members of the Democratic Party of Oak Park gathered for their first regular monthly meeting since it became clear that Donald Trump won the presidential election, one sentiment seemed to sum up the mood.
Lake County sees a mix of incumbent leaders seeking reelection and those voluntarily ending their runs – The Daily Herald, November 12, 2024
Several incumbent Lake County mayors are seeking reelection and some will face challengers who submitted paperwork Tuesday, the first day to file nominating petitions for local offices in the April 1 consolidated election.
Chicago Will Remain a Sanctuary City, Despite Donald Trump’s Threats, Mayor Brandon Johnson Says – WTTW, November 12, 2024
City officials will continue to shield all immigrants in Chicago from federal agents, regardless of whether they are citizens, permanent residents or asylum seekers, despite the election of President-elect Donald Trump, Mayor Brandon Johnson said Tuesday.
Aldermen push for higher fees on special events as budget debate intensifies – Chicago Tribune, November 8, 2024
Johnson’s proposed $300 million property tax hike appears dead on arrival after a City Council majority banded together to call a meeting next Wednesday with plans to vote it down. Little by little, alternatives began to surface Friday as aldermen pressured city department leaders during budget hearings to cut costs and raise revenue.
Johnson’s $300M property tax increase will be ‘significantly decreased,’ top mayoral aide says – Chicago Sun Times, November 11, 2024
Twenty-two of the City Council’s 50 members met Saturday with top mayoral aides, including Johnson’s budget team, to begin negotiations that, some alderpersons said, should have started long before Johnson belatedly introduced his $17.3 billion budget.
What a second Trump term could mean for housing in Chicago and Illinois – WBEZ Chicago, November 12, 2024
During the recent presidential campaign, former President Donald Trump was light on details for his housing agenda. But a lot can be inferred from what he attempted in his first term — and from what his former housing secretary, Ben Carson, laid out in The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 plan, which spells out a conservative federal governing agenda for the next four years.
Alderpeople seek ways to get more revenue from city’s hosting of festivals, events during DCASE budget hearing – The Daily Line, November 11, 2024
Alderpeople questioned staff from the Department on Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) on Friday about how the department could work toward securing additional revenue for the city as most of the council searches for options to avoid a proposed property tax increase from the mayor.
Buildings commissioner touts reduced permit times during budget hearing – The Daily Line, November 11, 2024
The mayor’s “Cut the Tape” initiative, which aims to speed up the time it takes to get residential and commercial developments completed by cutting unnecessary city bureaucratic processes, is paying off with shorter permit processing times, alderpeople were told during the Department of Buildings’ budget hearing Thursday evening.
Inspector General office to defer technology, software investments and slash vacancies in 2025 budget – The Daily Line, November 12, 2024
The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has cut three percent of its non-personnel budget and slashed three vacancies in doing its part to help close Chicago’s nearly $1 billion budget gap heading into 2025, alderpeople were told Saturday.
Chicago faces out-migration crisis as Black families seek better opportunities and safety elsewhere – Crain’s Chicago Business, November 12, 2024
A bullet landing in her neighbor’s Bronzeville kitchen confirmed to Sylvia Emuwa that it was time to leave Chicago. It wasn’t just the threat of violence. Emuwa and her husband, Augie, were growing tired of transporting their four children to different schools. When they lost their lease on a laundromat that showcased Emuwa’s green detergent product earlier this year, the family decided to pack up and move to North Carolina.
Chicago’s largest accounting firms see decreasing headcounts among major players – Crain’s Chicago Business, November 12, 2024
The largest accounting firms in the Chicago area, which are ranked by local professional staff as of June 30, barely saw an increase in numbers from 2023 to 2024. These firms saw median growth of less than 1%.
Negotiations underway to cut Johnson’s proposed $300 million property tax in half – Crain’s Chicago Business, November 11, 2024
Hoping to prevent an embarrassing vote this week on Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed $300 million property tax at the center of his $17.3 billion 2025 budget plan, top mayoral aides have scrambled to convince members of the City Council their point has already been made.
