This week, Illinois lawmakers continued to file bills ahead of the February 7th deadline for bill introductions. With more than 2,300 bills filed in the House and nearly 1,400 in the Senate, legislative leaders are set to begin assigning these bills to substantive committees over the coming weeks.

Illinois Republican lawmakers have filed a lawsuit with the Illinois Supreme Court, seeking to invalidate the state’s current legislative district map. They argue that the 2021 map is a product of partisan gerrymandering, designed to entrench Democratic power and undermine fair representation for Republican voters. Currently, Democrats hold a super-majority in the General Assembly and a 5-2 majority on the state Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, Illinois officials are dealing with the impact of a recent federal funding freeze, which has delayed essential funding for infrastructure, education, and social services. In response, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined other states in requesting judicial intervention, arguing that the freeze violates constitutional principles. The White House has since rescinded the directive following legal challenges and widespread concerns among government agencies and aid organizations.

Additionally, Republican state Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Lake Zurich) announced he will resign, effective February 2, to lead a new nonprofit advocacy group focused on supporting individuals with disabilities. McConchie served as the Senate’s Republican leader from 2021 to 2023. His resignation allows Republican leaders to select a successor who will finish his term and be eligible to run for election in 2026. A replacement has not yet been named, but discussions are ongoing.

Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide

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

‘It’s hard to plan for devastation’: Pritzker says federal systems are back online, stresses negative impact of federal aid pause on states – The Daily Line, January 31, 2025

Gov. JB Pritzker says Illinois is able to access all federal portals after a White House memo released Monday night announcing a pause in federal grants caused confusion.

Illinois state flag has fans — and could keep flying after design contest – Chicago Tribune, January 31, 2025

33 Illinois counties explore formation of a new state. – The State Journal-Register, January 31, 2025

Two Springfield-area counties have passed referendums voicing a preference to explore the possibility of forming a separate Illinois by distancing themselves from Cook County.

David Greising: Conflict between Donald Trump and Illinois will test state’s rights vs. federal power – Chicago Tribune, January 31, 2025

Chicago is a sanctuary city. Northern Illinois’ deep-blue politics are red meat for the partisan-minded president and his devoted supporters in and out of government. Gov. JB Pritzker is becoming a leading voice of the Trump resistance. Attorney General Kwame Raoul has joined lawsuits challenging Trump, and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has accused the president of a vendetta against working people.

Pritzker announced $31 million in grants for 24 site readiness projects – The Daily Line, January 30, 2025

Gov. JB Pritzker announced $31 million in grants Wednesday for site readiness projects across the state. The Regional Site Readiness Program provides funding to municipalities, economic development organizations, nonprofits and private landlords for planning and implementation of capital improvement projects. This round of funding includes 24 sites.

Raoul, 22 state AGs to file suit against pause of federal grants – The Daily Line, January 30, 2025

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is joining 22 attorneys general in suing the Trump administration to stop a freeze on federal loans and grants.

Illinois House Republican Leader sues to overturn state’s legislative map – The Daily Line, January 30, 2025

The House Republican leader is filing a lawsuit seeking to have Illinois’ legislative map declared unconstitutional.

Assessor Fritz Kaegi says Chicago properties worth a combined $50.8 billion in 2024, calls for bill relief in Springfield – Chicago Tribune, January 30, 2025

Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi on Wednesday announced the total value of properties in Chicago topped $50.8 billion in 2024, and said city homeowners will shoulder a slightly smaller share of the overall property tax burden this year if his values hold.

Illinois Senate committee approves bill keeping veteran tiny homes affordable – WAND, January 30, 2025

A plan moving in the Illinois Senate could help more veterans have affordable housing without going through government red tape.

Illinois organizations left in limbo amid possible federal funding freeze by Trump administration – ABC7, January 29, 2025

The confusion over whether or not federal grants and loans could still be frozen or taken away is causing concern for Illinois nonprofits that rely on the money.

Jurors begin deliberating after prosecutor argues Madigan ‘lost his way, he was blinded by profit’ – Chicago Sun Times, January 29, 2025

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is accused of leading a criminal enterprise over nearly a decade, designed to enhance his political power and financial well-being. Michael McClain, a former lawmaker and longtime lobbyist for ComEd, is also on trial and accused of acting as Madigan’s agent.

Pritzker says Trump’s federal funding freeze was no accident – Crain’s Business Chicago, January 28, 2025

As a legal battle started playing out over the Trump administration’s order late Monday to put on hold federal loans and grants, Pritzker held a press conference this afternoon to talk about problems in Illinois that resulted, from medical care to child care, and rejected the Trump administration’s explanations.

Trump’s federal funding freeze on hold — as ‘chaos, confusion and fear’ grip Chicago – Chicago Sun-Times, January 28, 2025

A federal judge temporarily halted President Donald Trump’s move to freeze all federal grants pending an analysis to root out “wokeness” in federal spending. But confusion reigned Tuesday in Chicago and beyond as leaders braced for serious potential cuts to an array of major programs.

Raoul, 22 state AGs to file suit against pause of federal grants – The Daily Line, January 29, 2025

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is joining 22 attorneys general in suing the Trump administration to stop a freeze on federal loans and grants.

Illinois House Republican Leader sues to overturn state’s legislative map – The Daily Line, January 29, 2025

The House Republican leader is filing a lawsuit seeking to have Illinois’ legislative map declared unconstitutional.

Friendship between Madigan and McClain became ‘a casualty’ of corruption case, lawyer says. ‘But it was real’ – Chicago Sun-Times, January 28, 2025

Defense attorney Patrick Cotter made the comment in the midst of his nearly five-hour closing argument Tuesday in the corruption trial of Michael Madigan and Michael McClain. Jurors are expected to begin deliberating Wednesday.

Illinois House lawmakers file almost 1,800 new bills only 2 weeks into legislative session – Capitol News Illinois, January 28, 2025

Illinois lawmakers kicked off their spring legislative session roughly three weeks ago, but lawmakers in the House have already filed more than 1,800 bills that could be acted on before the General Assembly adjourns in May.

Illinois GOP bill would require law enforcement to coordinate with ICE – Fox 32 Chicago, January 28, 2025

Illinois Senate Republicans introduced a new bill Tuesday that would require state law enforcement agencies to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to report and deport undocumented immigrants who have been charged with felonies.

State lawmakers move measure aimed at protecting warehouse workers amid complaints that demands for speed hinder safety – Chicago Tribune, January 29, 2025

Legislation now on Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk aims at providing protections for workers at large warehouses such as those run by Amazon by requiring employers to be more transparent about productivity expectations and ensure workloads don’t prevent employees from taking breaks for meals, rest or visits to the bathroom.

State Rep. McLaughlin lobbies for McConchie’s Senate seat – Daily Herald, January 28, 2025

State Rep. Martin McLaughlin said Tuesday he is interested in filling the Illinois Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Dan McConchie.

Sen. Michael E. Hastings: We must protect Illinois families from unfair insurance premium hikes – Chicago Tribune, January 29, 2025

As we’ve seen even at home in Illinois, none of us is protected from devastation of natural disasters. Yet for insurance companies in our state, steep increases aren’t always the result of a flood, tornado or other unexpected events.

Bill in Illinois House aims to ban public utilities from making political donations – The Daily Line, January 28, 2025

A measure in the Illinois House of Representatives aims to ban public utilities from making political contributions. House Bill 1621 would make it illegal for public utilities to donate to any candidate for state office directly or through their political action committee (PAC).

Madigan’s attorneys end case by blasting FBI mole Solis as ‘stage actor,’ ‘massive tax cheat,’ — and ‘malignant tumor’ – Chicago Sun Times, January 27, 2025

Michael Madigan’s attorney concluded his seven-and-a-half-hour closing argument Monday, meaning Madigan’s trial is nearing its end. Jurors are still expected to hear arguments from an attorney for Madigan’s co-defendant, Michael McClain, as well as a prosecutor’s rebuttal argument before deliberating.

IL legislator wants voter ID, end to drop boxes, criminalize ballot harvesting – Regional Media News, January 27, 2025

A Republican state senator is looking to require voter ID in Illinois. State Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, said requiring voter ID is popular.

Illinois completes minimum wage increase, among other pro-worker law changes this year – Labor Tribune, January 27, 2025

Illinois’ minimum wage increased to $15 an hour as of Jan. 1, the final step in a series of raises that began six years ago. Youth workers also will see an increase to $13 an hour, and tipped workers will be paid $9 an hour.

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton launching PAC to help potential bid for Senate if Durbin doesn’t run again ­– Chicago Sun Times, January 27, 2025

With Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., having not announced yet whether he will run again — and Gov. JB Pritzker still not confirming whether he will seek another term — Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton on Monday is launching her Level Up federal political action committee to build up her political operation and bolster a potential Senate run.

Republican State Sen. Dan McConchie to Resign, Launch National Disability Nonprofit – WTTW, January 27, 2025

State Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Lake Zurich), who has used a wheelchair for 17 years, said the goal of the fledgling Accessibility Policy Institute is to fill a gap between change made through the federal Americans With Disabilities Act and from the work of state and local organizations dedicated to advancing the cause of those with developmental disabilities.

State senator asks prison workers to contact her about undocumented immigrants: ‘I won’t rat you out’ – Chicago Tribune, January 24, 2025

A downstate Republican lawmaker is urging Illinois prison employees to secretly send her information on undocumented immigrants who are behind bars so she can pass the information on to federal immigration authorities, raising concerns from a civil liberties group that she’s encouraging the workers to circumvent the state’s sanctuary law.

Republican picked to chair Illinois House veterans committee ‘overwhelmed with emotions’ Capitol News Illinois, January 24, 2025

For the first time in more than a decade, a Republican will chair an Illinois House committee.

State Sen. Napoleon Harris is out as chairman of legislative committee regulating the insurance industry – Chicago Sun-Times, January 26, 2025

The change follows a Chicago Sun-Times report in 2024 that the former NFL player-turned-politician took on an “investor” role with a southwest suburban insurance brokerage firm.

How the grocery tax fuels municipalities in Illinois – The Southern Illinoisan, January 24, 2025

West Frankfort passed an ordinance in August that will implement a municipal grocery tax starting in 2026, and Harrisburg did so in November. Herrin will consider a grocery tax ordinance during its council meeting Monday evening.

Pritzker announces the addition of over 5,000 publicly funded preschool seats – Capitol News Illinois, January 24, 2025

Over 5,000 preschool seats have opened for low-income families in Illinois through Smart Start Illinois in the past year.

Homelessness could no longer be a crime under a new plan filed in Springfield – WAND, January 24, 2025

A bill filed in Springfield could stop the further criminalization of people experiencing homelessness.

ACLU warns University of Illinois to respect free speech after officials clamp down on climate change group and Palestinian group – Chicago Tribune, January 25, 2025

Before University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign student Gabi DalSanto was cleared to register for spring classes after being placed on a recent academic hold for defying school policy during a student-led climate march, she filed stacks of paperwork, worked with a case manager and wrote a several-page essay on what she would do differently in the future.

New state transportation boss looking to cure Kennedy construction ‘headache,’ focus on speeding up projects – Chicago Sun-Times, January 27, 2025

Gia Biagi, the state’s new acting transportation secretary, quit as commissioner of Chicago’s Transportation Department shortly after Mayor Brandon Johnson took office.

Illinois can overcome its challenging budget realities – Daily Herald, January 26, 2025

Illinois has eliminated massive bill backlogs, earned nine credit rating upgrades since 2020, built its largest-ever Rainy Day Fund at more than $2 billion, and brought pensions to their highest funded ratios since 2008.

Despite looming deficit, Illinois ag policy leaders hope to carve out wins – The Pantagraph, January 26, 2025

Despite a looming $3.2 billion deficit, agriculture industry leaders in Illinois are hoping to carve out legislative wins on estate tax policy and conservation funding, among other priorities.

Madigan attorney urges acquittal, accusing feds of ‘shoving misshapen puzzle pieces together – Capitol News Illinois, January 24, 2025

After watching prosecutors spend more than 10 hours over three days dissecting every element of the racketeering and bribery case against former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, the defense on Friday acknowledged the government’s presentation seemed “very polished.”

Madigan’s attorney makes his case to the jury: ‘The government sees the myth. They do not see the man.” – Chicago Sun-Times, January 24, 2025

It’s the final presentation from Madigan’s attorneys before jurors begin to deliberate the sweeping racketeering conspiracy case against him. Judge John Blakey assured the jury those deliberations will begin “next week” as they headed home for the weekend.

‘The government depends on your cynicism’: Defense in Madigan trial tells jurors of ‘Mike’s’ innocence – Chicago Tribune, January 24, 2025

Attorneys for Michael Madigan opened their final bid to persuade jurors of his innocence by harking back to a memorable nickname for the former House speaker: the Sphinx.

Former Chicago Ald. Ed Burke requests commutation, reducing prison sentence – NBC Chicago, January 29, 2025

President Donald Trump’s administration can grant or deny Burke’s petition.

Obama Presidential Center subcontractor sues over cost overruns, alleges discrimination – Chicago Tribune, January 30, 2025

A federal lawsuit filed earlier this month alleges one of the main firms involved in managing the construction of the Obama Presidential Center racially discriminated against one of the project’s African American-owned local subcontractors, leaving them $40 million in the red and at risk of bankruptcy.

Ethics board recommends end to decades-old ‘unwritten’ practice after OIG report on mayor’s acceptance of expensive gifts – The Daily Line, January 30, 2025

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office failed to make a record of gifts the office has accepted publicly available and denied the Chicago Office of the Inspector General (OIG) access to a “gift room” where items such as luxury handbags and nice shoes were being stored, the OIG alleged in an advisory issued Wednesday.

City officials dispute legality of Trump’s federal grant pause, impact on city budget uncertain – The Daily Line, January 30, 2025

Chicago budget office and law department officials were analyzing Tuesday just how much of the city’s $4.7 billion in grant funding would be affected by an order from the Trump administration to halt the spending of federal assistance for myriad purposes nationwide — if upheld by the courts.

Interdepartmental working group evaluating city’s ‘do not hire’ list policy, alderpeople learn at hearing – The Daily Line, January 30, 2025

The City Council’s Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight on Tuesday heard from the head of the human resources department about the city’s ineligibility for rehire policy, which is also colloquially known as the “do not hire” list.

Text from Johnson to firefighters’ union president could ignite stalled contract talks – Chicago Sun Times, January 29, 2025

The apparent breakthrough started with a text message from Mayor Brandon Johnson to Pat Cleary, president of the Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2 after Cleary’s members responded to a Dec. 12 fire that started in a records storage area of Cook County Building.

Interdepartmental working group evaluating city’s ‘do not hire’ list policy, alderpeople learn at hearing – The Daily Line, January 29, 2025

The City Council’s Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight on Tuesday heard from the head of the human resources department about the city’s ineligibility for rehire policy, which is also colloquially known as the “do not hire” list.

Trump’s border czar says he plans to expand the scope of ICE immigration raids ‘very soon’– Crain’s Business Chicago, January 28, 2025

Federal officials insist the immigration crackdown taking place in Chicago and across the U.S. is targeted toward individuals who pose threats to public safety. While so-called “collateral arrests” are occurring, they are not the current objective.

Johnson’s invited to talk sanctuary cities in Congress, but will he go? – Crain’s Business Chicago, January 28, 2025

The city’s top attorney says it’s too soon to discuss whether Mayor Brandon Johnson will accept an invitation to the nation’s Capitol to provide congressional testimony on Chicago’s sanctuary city laws.

Chicago’s immigration sweeps have restaurant and food industry employers feeling anxious – WBEZ Chicago, January 28, 2025

Chicago-based American Business Immigration Coalition warns of major economic consequences of mass deportations.

Chicago restaurants on guard against ICE – Crain’s Chicago Business, January 28, 2025

The threat of the Trump administration’s immigration raids is looming large in Chicago’s restaurant scene, where immigrants comprise roughly 40% of the workforce.

Mayor Johnson, other sanctuary city leaders called to D.C. to testify – Crain’s Chicago Business, January 27, 2025

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, along with the mayors of Boston, Denver, and New York City, has been summoned to testify before Congress regarding local sanctuary city policies and their impact on federal immigration enforcement, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard worked to hide true condition of village finances, former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot says – Chicago Tribune, January 28, 2025

Just months after her election in 2021, there was a “concerted and systematic effort” by Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard to hide the condition of village finances from trustees, former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Monday.

Opinion: Yes, the clock is ticking: Lawmakers, don’t leave transit agencies, public waiting to last minute for budget answers — Daily Herald, January 28, 2025

Metra Executive Director Jim Derwinski’s grim warning last week to the transit agency’s board of directors was in many ways a natural follow-up to RTA Chairman Kirk Dillard’s Jan. 15 speech to the City Club of Chicago about a looming budget crisis. Perhaps more important, it also included a deadline for action.

Brandon Johnson’s campaign gives back most of a $50,000 contribution from fund run by a City Hall lobbyist – Chicago Sun-Times, January 25, 2025

The Chicago Latino Public Affairs Committee, run by City Hall lobbyist Homero Tristan, contributed to Friends of Brandon Johnson in June 2023. The City Hall inspector general found the contribution violated a $1,500 cap, and the difference was refunded.

Chicago immigrant advocacy groups sue ICE following week of tensions – Chicago Tribune, January 25, 2025

Four local immigrant advocacy groups sued the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and two federal officials, seeking an injunction prohibiting certain types of immigration raids in Chicago.

‘People are scared’: Fear permeates every aspect of life in Chicago, under threat of mass immigration deportations – Chicago Tribune, January 26, 2025

Everywhere she goes, Audelia Alvarez Vasquez has been wearing her proof of permanent residency in the United States safety-pinned to the small crocheted purse that hangs around her neck: to the grocery store, to the post office, to pick up her two grandchildren from elementary school in Brighton Park.

‘Yo!’ Mayor Brandon Johnson’s texts reveal governing style and intrigue at City Hall – Chicago Tribune, January 27, 2025

A Tribune review of Johnson’s text messages show many politicos have gotten similar messages and read between those two letters themselves.

Tiffany Henyard investigation: Lightfoot to release findings on Dolton mayor’s alleged misuse of funds – FOX 32 Chicago, January 24, 2025

Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has completed her investigation into Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard, with findings set to be released Monday night.