Following the announcement that Chicago will face a projected $982.4M budget gap in 2025 and a $223M budget gap at the end of 2024, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s budget office issued a citywide hiring freeze on Monday, September 9. The hiring freeze was originally supposed to impact all city government positions, including police and firefighters, and establish limits on non-essential travel and overtime excluding required public safety operations. However, following backlash from first responders and their allies on the City Council, Mayor Johnson changed course and exempted police and firefighters from the hiring freeze. The City of Chicago reported that the freeze, with police and firefighters exempted, would impact an estimated 3,500 positions, and save around $100M. This is the first of many cost saving measures that Chicago will need to take to close 2024 and 2025 deficits.
Beyond cutting costs, Chicago could look to increase property taxes, legalize video gambling, allow slot machines in airports, or ask the State of Illinois for additional funding. Gov. J.B. Pritzker reported that Major Johnson and other Chicago officials have not talked to him about any city budget issues yet. Johnson and Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates both traveled to Springfield throughout the General Assembly session to lobby for an additional $1B in funding for Chicago Public Schools (CPS), although the proposal did not receive much traction in Springfield.
The state’s FY 2025 budget already passed and took effect on July 1, without additional funding for Chicago or CPS. A supplemental budget at the state level would be required to provide additional funding to Chicago. However, Gov. Pritzker made it clear that a supplemental budget for this purpose would be unlikely given that the state has limited resources, and the FY 2025 budget already relies on new revenue sources to be balanced. On top of that, legislators will need to address a projected $750M deficit for Chicagoland transit agencies beginning in 2026, further constraining the state’s discretionary spending. Pritzker said, “The State of Illinois provides billions of dollars to the City of Chicago every single year and we’re going to continue to do that, but we can’t just snap our fingers; we don’t print money at the state level.” With state intervention appearing unlikely, Mayor Johnson will need to look to other ways to generate new revenue and cut costs to close the city’s budget deficit.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
November 5 – 2024 General Election
November 12-14 – Veto Session Week 1
November 19-21 – Veto Session Week 2
In the News
Illinois Child Care Advocates Say Higher Wages Needed to Overcome Staffing Shortage – WTTW, September 12, 2024
The state of affordable child care is an issue facing families across the country and was recently under the microscope at Chicago City Council. Advocates in Illinois are pushing for higher wages and better benefits in an effort to retain child care workers. The effort comes after a center in Bronzeville recently shut its doors, the CEO says, due to a lack of staff.
‘Is there even a small contract for Eddie Acevedo?’: Jury sees emails from Madigan confidant asking AT&T to pay former state rep – Chicago Tribune, September 12, 2024
Nobody at AT&T Illinois was keen on hiring Eddie Acevedo as a lobbyist when he retired from the state legislature in 2017, and not only because the South Side Democrat’s overly partisan style rubbed many of his colleagues across the aisle the wrong way, a former AT&T insider told a federal jury Thursday.
Convicted ex-US Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. pushing for presidential pardon with help from suburban mayors – Chicago Tribune, September 12, 2024
Convicted former Democratic U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is ramping up an effort to get politicians to encourage President Joe Biden to pardon the former congressman before the Democratic president leaves office early next year. Jackson, who served about 17 months in federal prison after pleading guilty in 2013 to conspiring to defraud his campaign fund of roughly $750,000, has enlisted the help of south suburban mayors from his former congressional district and also put out a general call on his Facebook page for others to write letters of support to Biden.
All agree ‘King Madigan’ ruled, but jurors must decide whether speaker was bribed in latest corruption trial – Chicago Sun-Times, September 11, 2024
There’s no disputing the power that Michael J. Madigan once wielded in Springfield — it apparently offended even the man who is now on trial for having bribed him in 2017. “King Madigan lives — elected to Speaker again,” AT&T Illinois President Paul La Schiazza griped in a January 2017 email chain with his colleagues, reacting to a Chicago Sun-Times article about the Southwest Side Democrat’s ongoing grip on the gavel.
State government investing money to find the homeless population jobs, the planning starts now – 25 News, September 11, 2024
The Illinois state government has started a two and a half year pilot program to help unhoused people find jobs. In a press release, Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton said, “Too often, systemic inequities compound and force hardworking people into homelessness. Our communities have been asking for ways to uplift and protect each other; the Home Illinois Workforce Pilot Program is turning words into action.”
When it comes to funding state-level campaigns, Pritzker in a league of his own – Daily Herald, September 9, 2024
Even though he’s not running now, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has donated a whopping $25 million to his campaign committee this election cycle, according to Illinois State Board of Elections data. None of the Illinois residents on the nonprofit group OpenSecrets’ list of Top 100 donors at the federal level comes close to that kind of in-state giving ahead of the Nov. 5 election.
No talks with city about budget, Pritzker says – The Daily Line, September 11, 2024
Chicago officials and Mayor Brandon Johnson have not talked about any of the city’s budget issues with Gov. JB Pritzker, the governor told reporters on Tuesday. Pritzker’s observation comes despite months of the city, Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) looking to the state as a source of funding for growing needs and deficits.
Jury selection begins in trial of former AT&T Illinois boss accused of bribing Madigan – Capitol News Illinois, September 10, 2024
Jury selection is set to begin Tuesday in the trial of former AT&T Illinois president Paul La Schiazza, who federal prosecutors allege bribed once-powerful Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan in exchange for favorable legislation in Springfield.
Gov. Pritzker announces $10M plan for affordable housing – CBS News, September 10, 2024
Banking giant J.P. Morgan Chase is lending $10 million to help build affordable housing in some of Chicago’s poorest neighborhoods. Governor JB Pritzker attended the announcement in South Austin.
When it comes to funding state-level campaigns, Pritzker in a league of his own – Daily Herald, September 9, 2024
Even though he’s not running now, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has donated a whopping $25 million to his campaign committee this election cycle, according to Illinois State Board of Elections data. None of the Illinois residents on the nonprofit group OpenSecrets’ list of Top 100 donors at the federal level comes close to that kind of in-state giving ahead of the Nov. 5 election.
Illinois Baptist State Association loses religious freedom case, expects to appeal – The Christian Index, September 9, 2024
A circuit judge in Springfield has ruled against the Illinois Baptist State Association in a suit to protect IBSA from requirements to provide employees with insurance benefits that cover abortion. The ruling came more than four years after IBSA filed suit, saying the Illinois Reproductive Health Act did not violate IBSA’s religious freedom.
Many Illinois county clerks have left amid hostility, mistrust around 2024 election – CBS News, September 9, 2024
In Illinois, CBS News Chicago has found there has been a lot of turnover in such jobs too, along with some fear. Investigator Dave Savini reports.
Medill launches new program to cover Illinois Government – Northwestern Medill, September 7, 2024
The Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications announced today the creation of the Medill Illinois News Bureau, which will provide local news outlets with coverage of the state legislature and government agencies.
Is a third term in Gov. Pritzker’s future? Or maybe a Cabinet position? – Chicago Sun-Times, September 6, 2024
“It seems crazy, but it’s true that when I serve out the end of this second term, I will be the longest-serving Democratic governor in the history of Illinois,” Gov. JB Pritzker said last month during the Democratic National Convention. I looked it up and it’s true. Pat Quinn served about six years as governor, replacing Rod Blagojevich, who also did six years before doing time in prison.
Ex-AT&T Illinois president in big trouble over ‘small contract’ for Madigan ally — trial starts Tuesday – Chicago Sun-Times, September 8, 2024
AT&T Illinois had finally scored a big win in Springfield in 2017, securing legislation that could help save it millions of dollars with the support of then-Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan. But its victory came only after the utility agreed to pay $22,500 over nine months to a key Madigan ally. And later that summer, Madigan’s son came calling with another financial request. Paul La Schiazza, the utility’s president at the time, griped that “this will be endless.”
Roundtable planned around Illinois to discuss aging issues – WMAY, September 6, 2024
As Illinois’ population continues to get older, leaders from the state Department of Aging are developing a framework to improve the quality of life for older adults. Illinois aging agencies will be holding a series of roundtable discussions around the state to help shape the future of policymaking for the state’s older population.
Advocates Seek Mandatory Training for Illinois Judges, Attorneys on Legal Needs of LGBTQ+ People – WTTW, September 7, 2024
Illinois advocates for LBGTQ+ rights are pushing for the state’s high court to mandate that all lawyers, judges and other court personnel, such as clerks and security staff, be trained on be the legal needs of LBGTQ+ people. Critics, however, say the call for inclusivity training is exclusionary.
Illinois Republican claims new state flag would ‘advance the far-left’s political ideology’ – The State Journal-Register, September 9, 2024
The Illinois Flag Commission began accepting submissions of new flag designs last week, opening up a process that could result in a change to a 55-year-old flag. The original flag, designed by Rockford native Lucy Derwent in 1915, featured the state seal in front of a white background. It has remained the same since with exception for the addition of the word “Illinois” placed below the seal in 1969.
Who are the top federal campaign donors from Illinois? – Daily Hearld, September 8, 2024
The nearly $72 million a Lake Forest billionaire and his wife have contributed to federal candidates and groups this election cycle is significantly greater than any other Illinoisans’ donations, data from an independent research group shows.
First TV Ads of Fall Campaign Hit the Airwaves – The Illinoize, September 8, 2024
The first two television ads of the fall campaign are up in vastly different forms. The campaign of freshman Congressman Eric Sorensen (D-Moline) launched its first ad this week, leaning into his former career as a TV weatherman. Sorensen’s ad buy appears to be airing on broadcast stations in Peoria/Bloomington, the Quad Cities, and Rockford. Sources say a large cable buy is also part of the first round of ads.
Study: Illinois one of six states with long-term revenue shortfalls relative to expenses – WGIL, September 8, 2024
A new report highlights just how bad the state of Illinois has been with the budgetary process over the years. Pew Charitable Trusts found only two states with annual deficits in fiscal year 2022, a record low. Senior associate Page Forrest said Illinois is one of just six states that recorded a 15-year shortfall at the end of fiscal 2022. “The good news is that fiscal year ‘22 is the first time in at least two decades that Illinois recorded an annual surplus,” said Forrest. “The bad news is that the surplus, while substantial, wasn’t enough to move the needle for the state long term.”
Housing committee holds hearing on property tax relief proposal that Board of Review commissioner says would ‘restore fairness and stability’ to struggling households – The Daily Line, September 13, 2024
The City Council’s housing committee on Wednesday held a hearing on a proposal to rein in property tax bills for homeowners that are seeing taxes increase beyond what they can pay. Cook County Board of Review Comm. George Cardenas (D-1) presented his proposal for a property tax bill “circuit breaker” program that would link tax bills to a household’s ability to pay and provide state credits to cover the portion of taxes that exceed a certain threshold based on the household’s income.
Editorial: When government has to subsidize people’s property taxes, something is badly wrong – Chicago Tribune, September 13, 2024
How do you know property taxes are too high in this state? Most homeowners if asked that question would laugh at the notion that there was any doubt. But there hardly could be starker evidence than that local politicians, led by Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi, are proposing to have taxpayers cough up more money — potentially lots of it — to help lower-income households cover their property tax bills.
Ed Burke’s law firm once worked for family of judge who sentenced him to prison – Chicago Sun-Times, September 13, 2024
The family of the judge who sentenced former Ald. Edward M. Burke to two years in prison for strong-arming developers to retain his law firm once hired Burke’s firm to help their company fight City Hall and hold onto a lucrative city deal, a Chicago Sun-Times investigation has found.
Johnson exempts police and fire from hiring freeze, but City Council wants to hear more – Crain’s Chicago Business, September 11, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s budget team sought to clarify details of the citywide hiring freeze put in place this week to save on personnel costs amid a budget crunch, but members of the City Council are eager to see the math.
Ex-Ald. Carrie Austin Set to Stand Trial Nov. 3, 2025 — More Than 4 Years After Indictment – WTTW, September 11, 2024
Former Ald. Carrie Austin is set to stand trial on Nov. 3, 2025, nearly four and a half years after federal prosecutors first alleged that she took bribes in the form of home improvements including new kitchen cabinets and granite countertops from a developer and lied to federal agents.
Parting shot? Last-ditch effort seeks to let Chicago’s top cop extend ShotSpotter deal – Chicago Sun-Times, September 11, 2024
A South Side alderperson is trying to force a vote on a measure that would require Chicago’s top cop to renew the city’s contract with ShotSpotter just weeks before the controversial gunshot detection system is expected to be taken offline.
Mayor Johnson has a budget deficit to close, but don’t ask taxpayers to kick in more – Chicago Sun-Times, September 10, 2024
With the city facing a $1 billion deficit, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration announced this week that it has put the emergency brakes on city spending. But a city never sleeps, at least not for long. Which means Johnson will ultimately have to loosen the purse strings in a way that still delivers the services for which Chicagoans already dearly pay, while keeping the city fiscally solvent.
City To Close Troubled Pilsen Migrant Shelter, 2 Others As Pace Of New Arrivals Slows – Block Club Chicago, September 10, 2024
The city is closing three more migrant shelters — including one of its largest and most troubled — as a federal order slows border crossings and a pledge to send more buses during the Democratic National Convention did not materialize.
New chief procurement officer appointment advances through contracting committee – The Daily Line, September 11, 2024
The City Council Committee on Contracting Oversight and Equity approved the appointment of a new chief procurement officer Tuesday, sending the final confirmation to the City Council next week. Mayor Brandon Johnson appointed Chief Procurement Officer Sharla Roberts to the post in July after the previous head of the Department of Procurement Services (DPS) was removed following the approval of a severance agreement by the City Council.
News in brief: Housing committee to hold hearing on property tax circuit breaker proposal; Data residency ordinance to get consideration for third time at economic, capital and technology committee – The Daily Line, September 11, 2024
The City Council’s housing committee will hold a hearing on an idea to assist property owners burdened by high tax increases, and a data residency ordinance will be considered by the technology development committee for the third time in four months.
Chicago Parking Meters LLC accused of violating city’s minority participation requirements – Chicago Sun-Times, September 10, 2024
The 75-year, $1.15 billion deal that privatized Chicago parking meters is the deal taxpayers love to hate for how lopsided it has been, and how quickly private investors have recouped their money. Now, Inspector General Deborah Witzburg is giving beleaguered taxpayers yet another reason to despise the deal.
Head of Johnson’s legislative affairs team resigns amid staff shakeup – Crain’s Chicago Business, September 9, 2024
Ahead of what’s expected to be a rocky budget season, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s former top deputy charged with whipping votes in the City Council resigned and others on her team soon followed. Sydney Holman, the city’s deputy mayor of intergovernmental affairs, submitted her resignation today on the heels of an office reshuffling last week that was perceived to lessen her influence within the administration.
City announces hiring freeze, cuts to non-essential travel and overtime expenses as means to combat projected budget gap, year-end deficit – The Daily Line, September 10, 2024
The city’s budget director announced the institution of three policies Monday aimed at addressing the projected end-of-year budget deficit and the estimated near-billion-dollar budget gap for 2025. Budget Director Annette Guzman said in a statement that the city would immediately implement a citywide hiring freeze, restrictions on non-essential travel and restrictions on overtime expenditures outside of public safety operations as part of a strategy to cut costs as the city faces its biggest budget gap since 2021.
Alderpeople hold hearing on ShotSpotter gunshot detection technology with less than two weeks until contract expires – The Daily Line, September 10, 2024
The City Council Committee on Public Safety got a look at recent ShotSpotter data on Monday as the end of the contract is coming up in less than two weeks. Alderpeople in favor of keeping the gunshot detection technology, which is concentrated on the South and West sides, used the hearing as an opportunity to call on the Johnson administration to act in response to an order supporting ShotSpotter that was overwhelmingly approved by the council months ago.
News in brief: New chief procurement officer to go before committee vote; Environment committee to vote on creation of shoreline protection board – The Daily Line, September 10, 2024
The City Council’s contracting committee will consider the appointment of a new chief procurement officer, and the environment committee will consider a measure to create a new body dedicated to shoreline protection and maintenance.
Sheriff Tom Dart: Our law enforcement leaders must condemn political violence – Chicago Tribune, September 10, 2024
The election is just weeks away. The first presidential debate is just hours away. Both candidates have heightened the velocity and ferocity of their attacks. Events overseas are challenging Americans to choose sides. This is a volatile and dangerous time in our history.
Chicago never ready for reform – Chicago Tribune, September 8, 2024
Former Ald. Ambrosio Medrano lasted five years on the infamously corrupt Chicago City Council before going to prison for taking bribes. But he made one thing clear about his circumstances: He was not going to snitch on anyone — least of all his council colleagues.
Chicago remains on frontline of presidential race as Second Gentleman Emhoff attends fundraiser – The Daily Line, September 9, 2024
Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff made another stop in Chicago Friday just two weeks after the Democratic National Convention to stump for his wife, Vice President Kamala Harris, as the Harris-Walz campaign looks to build on strong fundraising numbers with two months before Election Day.
Ahead of the DNC, City Hall spent $814,000 on a fence to lock out homeless people – Chicago Sun-Times, September 6, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration spent $814,000 on a giant fence as part of an effort to shut down one of the city’s largest and most visible homeless encampments ahead of the Democratic National Convention, City Hall records show. The massive barrier was part of an “emergency” effort to permanently lock out unhoused people from the location near the United Center, where the convention was held, the records obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times show.
South suburban towns get crushed by the weight of heavy property taxes – Crain’s Chicago Business, September 9, 2024
In late June and early July, property owners in Chicago’s southern suburbs found shocking news in their mailboxes. Cook County had mailed residential property tax bills bearing increases larger than any in at least 29 years, with a median rise of 19.9%.
