Pritzker signs nearly $56B budget with new business taxes as he seeks 3rd term
Budget contains minimal spending increase despite being largest in state history.
Tag: Illinois General Assembly
Glock ban, prescription drug board among measures that stall in final days
Multiple bills that did not advance in the General Assembly are likely to be discussed throughout the summer for possible revival in veto session.
These junior high students championed the black and gold bumblebee. Now it’s the Illinois state bee
While most student research projects end up in a storage bin in the attic, one that 8th graders at Naperville’s Lincoln Junior High worked on is now state law.
Top Illinois Democratic and GOP leaders discuss state budget on 21st Show
Illinois leaders from both sides of the aisle joined the 21st Show this week. They shared their views on taxes, federal policies, education funding, and tech.
‘We didn’t have time’: Pritzker, leaders defend adjourning without Bears deal
A bipartisan vote on a hastily crafted bill in the Senate around 3:30 a.m. Monday morning gave late life to hopes the legislature would pass a bill giving the Bears property tax certainty.
Session slog ends in $56B budget, new taxes on social media companies, crypto, fantasy sports
Gas tax increase suspended while new taxes on businesses plug revenue hole
Illinois lawmakers debate data center regulations in response to growing energy and water use concerns
State lawmakers in Springfield are debating how to regulate data centers as proposals for new facilities spark concerns over their impact on utility costs and water reservoirs.
House approves Pritzker initiative to regulate social media algorithms
A bill to regulate social media companies and the features they make available to minors is advancing in the Statehouse. Gov. JB Pritzker proposed the bill, which is designed to make social media scrolling less addictive for children.
Junk fees, child torture, tipped wage proposals among bills to clear committee
More than 150 measures have moved thus far as House deadline approaches.
Capitol Briefs: U of I still concerned about higher ed funding overhaul proposal
The president of the University of Illinois System said Wednesday that negotiations are continuing over legislation to overhaul the way the state funds higher education, but the state’s flagship university remains opposed to the legislation in its current form.
Illinois lawmakers’ 2026 theme: affordability
Democrats are seeking to capitalize on Trump-driven chaos during election year session
MTD pursues plan to expand bus service following passage of state transit funding bill
Funding from the state transit bill will enable the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District to continue planning new bus routes and improve frequencies for existing service.
Bill to regulate homeowners’ insurance rates fails on final day of veto session
Pritzker had called for action in wake of State Farm’s 27.2% rate hike in July.
Illinois lawmakers approve ban on civil immigration arrests in state courthouses
After weeks of criticizing federal immigration raids, state lawmakers took legislative action.
Lawmakers OK sweeping energy reform package that governor pledges to sign
SPRINGFIELD — A closely-watched and long-debated piece of energy legislation is set to become law after passing through both legislative chambers with the governor’s endorsement. The bill that cleared the General Assembly Thursday funds energy storage systems through a new charge to Illinois electric customers that will take effect in 2030. The bill also lifts