Chicago council, ‘starting to legislate,’ sends $16.7 billion budget to mayor | Illinois
(The Center Square) – The Chicago City Council has approved a $16.7 billion budget for 2026 and sent it to Mayor Brandon Johnson. Aldermen rejected the mayor’s corporate head tax and passed a spending plan Saturday with higher taxes on cloud computing, liquor and plastic bags. The alternative budget also includes a roughly $1 billion […]
Chicago aldermen pass revenue package, business groups express concern | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Chicago aldermen have approved a revenue package that does not include Mayor Brandon Johnson’s corporate head tax, but business advocates are expressing concerns about the measure’s taxes and fees. The city council passed the revenue ordinance Friday by a vote of 29 to 19. The measure includes higher taxes on alcohol […]
Legislator demands DCFS set record straight on child welfare interns | Illinois
(The Center Square) – A state legislator is demanding the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services correct the record and apologize to families for the use of interns as investigators. Months ago, state Rep. Jed Davis, R-Yorkville, brought the issue into the forefront after he said he found out an investigation leading to a […]
IL House Speaker: ‘not even close’ to school choice legislation | Illinois
(The Center Square) – The speaker of the Illinois House says he would put school choice legislation up for a vote if 60 Democrats in his chamber supported it. Starting in 2027, private donations of up to $1,700 for school choice scholarships will be eligible for 100% federal tax credits. Each state has the choice […]
Illinois tops nation for public sector union political spending | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Commonwealth Foundation Labor and Policy Senior Director David Osborne says Chicago’s growing reputation as the place where public sector unions flex plenty of political muscle is more than well deserved. Osborne points to a new Commonwealth Foundation report highlighting how public sector unions across Illinois spent nearly $30 million on state […]
Illinois quick hits: Homelessness grants announced; IDPH alcohol use report | Illinois
Homelessness grants announced Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness announced $2 million in state spending for community organizations to address homelessness in Central Illinois. The taxpayer-funded State’s Home Illinois grant is slated to support permanent housing programs for people experiencing homelessness and local organizations including Fifth Street Renaissance, Helping […]
Illinois quick hits: More bills enacted into law; former ComEd CEO seeking Trump pardon | Illinois
More bills enacted into law Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office announced more than a dozen bills were enacted Friday. Aside from the medical aid in dying bill, Pritzker signed 14 bills. One measure decouples the state tax code from several provisions of the federal tax code that Republicans warned would make the state less competitive. Former […]
Illinois legalizes physician-assisted suicide; critics warn of moral, safety risks | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1950, prompting strong backlash from medical, disability, religious and legal groups who say it was rushed and violates key ethical and legal protections. State Rep. Bill Hauter, R-Morton, a practicing physician, said Pritzker showed signs of hesitation but ultimately “his leftist ideology took over and he […]
IL Dem touts ‘great job’ on transit, GOP candidate laments ‘bailout’ for Chicago | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Taxes and tolls will rise for many Illinoisans in 2026 if Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs legislation to fund public transportation. Senate Bill 2111 went to the governor’s desk Nov. 25. Pritzker said he looked forward to signing the bill after the General Assembly passed it early Halloween morning. SB 2111, the Northern […]
WATCH: Use of National Guard debated in U.S. Senate as Illinois case lingers | Illinois
(The Center Square) – While the use of the National Guard remains on hold in Illinois, pending a legal challenge, the U.S. Senate is debating having troops on American streets. In October, President Donald Trump ordered the National Guard to the streets of Illinois to assist in protecting federal personnel and property around enforcing immigration […]