After an uneventful first week of veto session, the Illinois General Assembly returned to Springfield for the final session week of the year from November 19 to 21. Both chambers were in session all three days, with limited committee and floor action. Notable bills that ended up passing include HB 793, which ends the sub-minimum wage for workers with disabilities; SB 2703, a TIF extension omnibus, and HB 4636, a cleanup revenue package. At the end of the final day of veto session, both chambers adjourned until the call of their respective leader.
The next time the House and Senate will be in session is for a tentatively scheduled lame duck session from January 2 to 7. Outstanding measures that were not addressed in veto session may be considered again at this time, with Democrat leadership looking to make some legislative changes before the new presidential administration takes office.
The new 104th General Assembly will be inaugurated on January 8. The 2025 spring session is scheduled to adjourn on May 31. House and Senate calendars for the 2025 session are attached.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
January 2-7 – Tentative Lame Duck Session
January 8 – Inauguration of the 104th General Assembly
January 24 – LRB Request Deadline
February 7 – Bill Introduction Deadline
February 19 – Governor’s State of the State and Budget Address
March 21 – Initial Chamber Committee Deadline
April 11 – Initial Chamber Third Reading Deadline
May 9 – Opposite Chamber Committee Deadline
May 23 – Opposite Chamber Third Reading Deadline
May 31 – Adjournment
In the News
Dignity in Pay bill, which would abolish subminimum age for Illinois adults with disabilities, heads to the governor’s desk – The Daily Line, November 22, 2024
Following bipartisan discourse during the Illinois Senate’s last fall veto session hearing, a proposed law that would abolish employers form paying workers with disabilities a subminimum wage passed both state houses and heads to Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk for his signature.
FBI mole Danny Solis takes long way to witness stand — but can’t escape Mike Madigan’s watchful eye – Chicago Sun Times, November 21, 2024
The path Danny Solis chose kept him as far as possible from the man on the other side of the courtroom. Though Solis never looked Michael J. Madigan’s way, the former state House speaker’s eyes seemed transfixed on the most highly anticipated witness in his trial.
What’s next for Rahm Emanuel? – Chicago Sun Times, November 21, 2024
The former Chicago mayor who is now the U.S. ambassador to Japan told the Sun-Times he is weighing his options about the next “best way to serve.”
IL legislators adjourn veto session as some warn about ‘risky lame duck’ – The Center Square, November 21, 2024
Illinois legislators are done for the year, but they’ll be back in early January before the new General Assembly is seated. Republicans are issuing warnings.
In pushing for Madigan-backed appointment, ex-ComEd CEO sought to ‘take good care’ of ‘our friend’ – Crain’s Chicago Business, November 20, 2024
Chicago businessman Juan Ochoa had heard little more than crickets in the six months since then-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan asked for his resume in November 2017.
Bill eliminating requirement to post name change notice in Illinois newspapers advances to Senate floor – The Daily Line, November 21, 2024
Following a Senate committee hearing debate on Wednesday, a bill that would eliminate a requirement for anyone legally changing their name to post a notice in Illinois newspapers now heads to the Senate floor for the last day of the General Assembly’s veto session.
Proposed state Dignity in Pay Act heads to Illinois Senate floor – The Daily Line, November 21, 2024
Erin Compton, an Illinois student and developmental disabilities advocate, on Wednesday urged state lawmakers to join citizens in “making history” and “make a difference” in voting to pass a law that would eliminate sub-minimum wage pay for people with disabilities.
‘This is how I award my good soldiers’: Ex-precinct captain testifies Madigan gave him yearly $45,000 do-nothing consulting contract – Chicago Tribune, November 20, 2024
Ed Moody spent a lifetime as one of Michael Madigan’s most loyal precinct captains: an enthusiastic door-knocker, prolific vote-getter, and key pillar to the House speaker’s prodigious political power.
NW suburban state Rep. Martin McLaughlin on track for reelection by just 47 votes – Chicago Sun Times, November 20, 2024
After two weeks of counting mail-in ballots, the Republican incumbent appears poised to eke out victory over Democratic challenger Maria Peterson, who hasn’t ruled out requesting a recount of McLaughlin’s razor-thin lead in the 52nd House District.
Federal judge to end Madigan-related criminal case against AT&T Illinois – Chicago Sun Times, November 20, 2024
The deal was modeled after a similar one issued in 2020 to electrical company ComEd. ComEd was spared prosecution after cooperating with the feds and paying a $200 million fine.
IL Freedom Caucus believes Democrats should cut migrant spending to address budget deficit – WAND, November 20, 2024
The Illinois Freedom Caucus is calling on Gov. JB Pritzker to stop spending taxpayer dollars on migrants. Rep. Chris Miller (R-Hindsboro) told reporters Wednesday that Illinois should welcome President Donald Trump’s border agency to gather up people he claimed are illegally staying in the state.
Ex-transportation official gets 18 months in prison in bribery case involving then-state Sen. Sandoval – Chicago Tribune, November 20, 2024
A longtime Chicago political operative was sentenced Wednesday to 18 months in federal prison for a scheme to bribe then-state Sen. Martin Sandoval on behalf of a suburban construction company that needed state approval for a development in East Dundee.
Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau says state comptroller trying to ‘inflict harm’ on residents in holding back money – Chicago Tribune, November 20, 2024
Orland Park officials are criticizing the state comptroller’s office for imposing what it calls “punitive sanctions” on the village due to delays in filing financial audits.
Madigan jury sees ‘Magic Lobbyist List’ seized from co-defendant during FBI search – Capitol News Illinois, November 19, 2024
It was a sunny and mild spring afternoon in May 2019 when roughly 100 FBI agents were dispatched to the homes – and one office – of eight allies to then-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.
Eye On Illinois: Spending increase proponents should prepare return on investment data – Shaw Local News Network, November 19, 2024
Sometimes making the case for spending $60 million requires explaining the cost of doing nothing. Capitol News Illinois Friday reported on Raising Illinois, a coalition that staged nine rallies around the state in recent weeks advocating for the next operating budget to include an additional $60 million for early childhood intervention services.
Jurors hear Madigan pushed Latino businessman for ComEd board after winning Gutierrez support – Chicago Sun Times, November 19, 2024
Jurors in Michael Madigan’s federal racketeering conspiracy trial on Tuesday heard the saga of Juan Ochoa, who Madigan pushed for a seat on the ComEd board — over the objections of some Latino Democrats.
It’s official: Briel bests Bishop in state rep race for Yednock’s seat – Shaw Local News Network, November 20, 2024
Barring an appeal of the results, Amy “Murri” Briel will succeed state Rep. Lance Yednock as the 76th District state representative. Following Election Night on Nov. 5, Briel, an Ottawa Democrat, held a 505 vote lead against Liz Bishop, a La Salle Republican, with more than 1,600 mail-in ballots uncounted in La Salle, DeKalb and Bureau counties. The results were too close and Bishop said she wanted to wait until the final result before conceding.
FBI agents testify on search warrants in former IL House Speaker Mike Madigan trial – ABC 7, November 18, 2024
The federal corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan continued Monday at the Dirksen Federal Building. The morning was spent picking up where the trial left off Thursday.
Illinois election officials give Nov. 5 update as final tallies come in – The Daily Line, November 20, 2024
With Nov. 5 general election results set to be certified early next month, Illinois election officials gave a general update during the state Board of Elections meeting Tuesday morning.
Staffing agency to pay $1.8 million in Illinois suit over ‘no-poach’ agreements – Crain’s Chicago Business, November 19, 2024
Metro Staff has agreed to pay $1.8 million to settle allegations by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul that the staffing firm engaged in wage-fixing and entered into “no-poach” deals with its competitors.
Madigan jurors hear about $1.3 million funneled to speaker’s allies by ComEd for do-nothing jobs – Chicago Sun Times, November 18, 2024
Judge John Blakey also told jurors Monday that Madigan’s trial is no longer expected to wrap up by the end of the year. Rather, he said it could last through the holiday season and into January.
‘Magic list’ of Madigan-connected lobbyists shown to jury in ex-speaker’s corruption trial – Chicago Tribune, November 18, 2024
Out of all the items seized by the FBI in a raid on the downstate Quincy home of Michael McClain in May 2019, one stood out. Inside a monogrammed tote bag in McClain’s silver Toyota Avalon were handwritten notes scrawled on stationery from a Chicago boutique hotel, listing the names of allies of then-House Speaker Michael Madigan who’d gone on to lucrative lobbying careers.
Not all Labor supporting Illinois Dems were spared on election night, but stalwarts held firm – Labor Tribune, November 18, 2024
A hard night for Democrats didn’t leave Illinois untouched, despite its primarily Democratic leanings.
Asked about Trump using ‘military assets’ for mass deportation, Pritzker says the plan may be ‘unconstitutional’ and ‘illegal’ – Capitol Fax, November 18, 2024
President-elect Donald Trump on Monday confirmed he would declare a national emergency to carry out his campaign promise of mass deportations of migrants living in the U.S. without legal permission.
Illinois Democrats brace for second Trump administration amid return to Springfield – Crain’s Chicago Business, November 15, 2024
During Donald Trump’s first term as president, Gov. JB Pritzker and Democrats in the Illinois General Assembly spent much of their time enacting laws and policies in direct opposition to the conservative agenda they saw coming from the White House.
Judge to rule in mid-December on whether to acquit a former AT&T exec accused of bribing Mike Madigan – Chicago Sun Times, November 14, 2024
In September, a jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict in the case against former AT&T Illinois President Paul La Schiazza.
‘Make it a federal court suit’: Jurors hear wiretap of McClain describing subcontracts alleged to be bribes – Capitol News Illinois, November 15, 2024
In same call, co-defendant justified the contracts as necessary ‘because Mike Madigan came to us’
Trump’s victory and a $3.1 billion budget deficit weigh on Statehouse Democrats – Chicago Sun Times, November 15, 2024
Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch hired a new appropriations staff director and plans on making operational changes in 2025.
More Illinois political names surface at Madigan’s bribery and racketeering trial – The Center Square, November 16, 2024
Past and present Illinois politicians have figured prominently in wiretapped conversations introduced by prosecutors at the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and codefendant Michael McClain.
Illinois’ Third House – Chicago Tribune, November 17, 2024
Lobbying is so ingrained in Springfield it’s practically a branch of government, but lawmakers are reluctant to regulate it.
IDOT is turning to nonunion workers, at a cost to the public – Chicago Sun Times, November 18, 2024
Infrastructure work is taking longer to complete, the Teamsters Local 916 president writes. Last year, the federal government said the State Safety Oversight Program fell short on staffing.
Hole in Johnson’s budget grows to $340 million thanks to cellphone tax snafu in Springfield – Chicago Sun Times, November 21, 2024
A tax on prepaid phones and calling cards has been shot down in Springfield. In his proposed $17.3 billion budget, Mayor Brandon Johnson had counted on that tax to bring in $40 million next year.
Greg Hinz: Johnson’s weakness is spurring an early start to the next mayoral sweepstakes – Crain’s Chicago Business, November 21, 2024
It’s ridiculously early, with more than two years to go before any votes actually are tallied. That means lots of publicity-hungry pols can float their names and raise their profiles without actually committing themselves.
City delays enforcement of new anti-gentrification ordinance – Crain’s Chicago Business, November 18, 2024
City officials have delayed enforcement of an anti-gentrification ordinance the Chicago City Council passed in September that gives renters the power to buy the buildings they live in rather than let them get sold to investors.
County approves $9.9B budget for 2025, including $2M amendment for wraparound services for abortion patients – The Daily Line, November 22, 2024
The Cook County Board of Commissioners approved its 2025 budget during a special meeting Thursday. The $9.94 billion adopted budget – which includes $2 million for patients’ reproductive health services – represents a roughly 7.3 percent increase over last year’s $9.26 billion adopted budget.
Johnson’s proposed alcohol tax hike likely dead amid pushback from Chicago’s hospitality industry – Crain’s Chicago Business, November 20, 2024
Consensus is growing in the Chicago City Council that a more than 34% hike in the city’s alcohol tax included in Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed 2025 budget is all but dead amid pushback from Chicago’s hospitality industry.
Alderpeople question Streets and Sanitation commissioner about rat abatement, sidewalk snow removal, garbage fee increase during budget hearing – The Daily Line, November 21, 2024
The city’s Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS) presented a largely flat budget proposal for the 2025 fiscal year at a Committee on Budget and Government Operations hearing Wednesday.
City Contractor ‘Failed’ Clients As Migrant Shelter Complaints Mounted, Staffers Say – Block Club Chicago, November 20, 2024
Chicago paid Favorite Healthcare Staffing $342 million to oversee its migrant shelter system. Records show the contractor had a poor track record of resolving complaints.
S&P warns it may downgrade Chicago’s credit rating amid budget fight – Crain’s Chicago Business, November 20, 2024
Chicago’s credit rating is at risk as Mayor Brandon Johnson and the city council spar over how to close a nearly $1 billion deficit in next year’s budget.
Chicago Park District $600M budget includes fee hikes but stable property taxes – Chicago Tribune, November 20, 2024
Some summer campers, golfers and bowlers would see fee hikes next year under the Chicago Park District’s proposed 2025 budget — but property taxpayers will be spared.
Should Chicago raise its garbage collection fees? City Council debates fee hike to help balance budget – Chicago Sun Times, November 20, 2024
Chicago’s garbage fee has been frozen at $9.50-a-month since it was imposed in 2016. It brings in $68.8 million — but covers just 40% of the $167.2 million in annual refuse collection costs.
Trump’s mass deportation plan sparks concerns in Chicago – WGN9, November 19, 2024
President-elect Donald Trump confirmed on his Truth Social site what’s been on the campaign trail; he will use the American military to facilitate a mass deportation of undocumented immigrants.
Chicago City Council considers Mayor Brandon Johnson’s new $150M property tax hike proposal – ABC 7, November 19, 2024
A major compromise is in the works to cut in half Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed $300 million property tax hike. Some aldermen are hoping they can reduce it even further.
Johnson accuses critics of ‘tantrums,’ says it’s time they ‘grow up’ – Chicago Sun Times, November 19, 2024
The mayor said last week’s unanimous vote against his $300 million property tax increase just delayed the budget process, dragging it well into December. “It’s time to grow up,” Johnson said. “The people of Chicago don’t have time for that.”
Fire department discusses vehicle replacements, overtime costs during budget hearing – The Daily Line, November 20, 2024
The Chicago Fire Department (CFD) defended its proposed 2025 budget before the City Council’s budget committee on Tuesday, addressing overtime costs and its vehicle replacement schedule.
Johnson’s latest pledge to slice property tax hike in half hasn’t yielded a budget deal — yet – Crain’s Chicago Business, November 19, 2024
Less than a week after suffering a 50-0 loss on his proposed $300 million property tax increase, Mayor Brandon Johnson says talks with the City Council are bearing fruit, but no deal has materialized to solve the city’s budget woes.
Analysts weigh in on troubles Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has been facing lately – CBS News Chicago, November 18, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson decided not to attend the funeral for fallen Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez on Monday after a back-and-forth with Martinez’s family—who had asked him not to attend.
City addresses Howard Street encampment without Council funding package – The Daily Northwestern, November 18, 2024
More than five months after a $1.75 million funding proposal to address homelessness in Evanston failed to gain City Council approval, the city is looking to install security cameras and lighting around the Howard Street homeless encampment and has dispatched the Crisis Alternative Response Evanston team to the area.
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed Chicago budget for 2025 eliminates a number of positions that are responsible for court-mandated reforms – WGN 9, November 18, 2024
Officials who were involved in negotiating and implementing the reforms laid out in the police department’s 2019 consent decree have expressed unease about the impact the mayor’s budget proposal will have on compliance.
Today’s Chicago City Council regrets the infamous 2008 parking meter deal – The Tribe, November 18, 2024
Every time a Chicagoan shells out money to drive on the Skyway, park on the metered streets of Chicago, or park downtown in a public garage like the Millennium Park Garage, keep in mind that those dollars go to outside investors, not the city.
As a polarizing eight years comes to an end, State’s Attorney Kim Foxx looks forward to a break from the spotlight – Chicago Tribune, November 19, 2024
For eight turbulent years, Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx has been a central figure in arguably Chicago’s most central issue: entrenched gun violence and how to keep people safe within an imperfect criminal justice system.
Progressive Caucus co-chair accuses mayor of posturing in talks to cut failed property tax hike – Chicago Sun Times, November 18, 2024
“I don’t understand this idea that the mayor has something that he’s brokered,” said Ald. Andre Vasquez. “The first proposal he had was voted down, and there have not been substantive meetings to land any commitments since then.”
Chicago Fire near decision on new downtown stadium site – Crain’s Chicago Business, November 18, 2024
Chicago Fire FC owner Joe Mansueto is evaluating deals to buy land on one of two proposed megadevelopments in the city as he forges ahead with plans to build a new 25,000-seat stadium for the Major League Soccer club.
City delays enforcement of new anti-gentrification ordinance – Crain’s Chicago Business, November 18, 2024
City officials have delayed enforcement of an anti-gentrification ordinance the Chicago City Council passed in September that gives renters the power to buy the buildings they live in rather than let them get sold to investors.
Chicago’s higher-income ZIP codes got the biggest Democratic convention host committee spending – WBEZ Chicago, November 17, 2024
A Sun-Times analysis of host committee direct spending found that little was spent in Chicago’s ZIP codes with the lowest average incomes. The most was spent at the United Center and in adjacent Loop and West Loop ZIP codes.
CPD defends proposed 2025 budget, responding to constitutional policing and mental health clinician cuts – The Daily Line, November 18, 2024
The Chicago Police Department (CPD) defended its budget Friday before the City Council Committee on Budget and Government Operations, and the superintendent addressed proposed cuts to its constitutional policing office and mental health clinician positions.
Amid concerns about a federal rollback, Cook County Commissioner pitches more money for reproductive health – WBEZ Chicago, November 15, 2024
Amid concerns about the next presidential administration’s lack of support for abortion rights, Democratic Cook County Commissioner Bridget Degnen wants the county to infuse more money into access to reproductive health services.
Killing extra pension payment could spare Mayor Brandon Johnson and aldermen political headaches, but cost Chicagoans later – Chicago Tribune, November 17, 2024
The harried search by the City Council and Mayor Brandon Johnson for ways to avoid raising property taxes — and in turn, the ire of their constituents — is leading them back to a question all too familiar in the halls of power in Chicago: Should they spare taxpayers financial pain and themselves political headaches now, even if it costs far more down the road?
After 50-0 defeat of his $300 million property tax hike, Mayor Brandon Johnson brokers a new deal – Chicago Sun Times, November 17, 2024
Mayoral aides and some Council members have agreed to cut the proposed increase in half as talks continue. The largest chunk of new revenue — $128 million — will come from raising the personal property lease tax on cloud computing to 11%. “I think we can go deeper,” Ald. Pat Dowell, Johnson’s handpicked Finance Chair, said.
Kim Foxx sees legacy as helping community trust law enforcement – Chicago Sun Times, November 18, 2024
In an exit interview with the Sun-Times, the controversial prosecutor discussed her still murky future plans, her belief she could have won a third term, and her opinion that she’s faced unfair criticism for her treatment of cops and her handling of the Jussie Smollett case.
