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  • Illinois Weather Crisis and Economic Growth Drive Legislative Action This Spring

    Illinois Weather Crisis and Economic Growth Drive Legislative Action This Spring
    2026/02/26
    In Illinois, recent severe weather dominated headlines with an early-season outbreak of tornadoes and large hail striking southeast regions on February 19, including confirmed touchdowns in Effingham and Crawford counties, where a mobile home was destroyed and an elderly woman seriously injured near New Hebron, according to the National Weather Service. State Rep. Sharon Chung introduced a compromise bill on insurance oversight, allowing the Department of Insurance to review homeowners rate changes amid rising premiums linked to extreme weather and storm chaser scams, as reported by WGLT, with support from State Farm and Country Financial. Governor JB Pritzker announced a $40.5 million expansion by DMG MORI in Chicago, creating 74 advanced manufacturing jobs and partnering with City Colleges for workforce training, per the Governor's office press release.

    On the economic front, AbbVie committed $380 million to expand pharmaceutical manufacturing in North Chicago, bolstering the state's biotech sector, according to company news. Politically, Pritzker unveiled the BUILD housing plan to boost affordability, prompting the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus to call for a task force to protect local zoning authority. Senate Republican Leader John Curran proposed legislation to strengthen engineering education pipelines. Community efforts include summer construction at CCSD21 schools for toilet replacements and repairs, while debates rage over data centers straining the grid and consumer costs.

    Looking Ahead, the spring legislative session promises action on insurance reform, housing zoning changes, and Pritzker's budget proposals, including a data center incentives moratorium.

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  • Illinois Economy Surges: $56B Budget, Nuclear Energy Push, and Major Corporate Expansion Drive Growth

    Illinois Economy Surges: $56B Budget, Nuclear Energy Push, and Major Corporate Expansion Drive Growth
    2026/02/24
    Illinois faces a mix of recovery efforts, bold policy moves, and economic momentum. Southeast Illinois reels from an early-season severe weather outbreak on February 19, when tornadoes and large hail struck Effingham and Crawford counties, causing significant structural damage near New Hebron, according to the National Weather Service. No deaths were reported, but cleanup continues amid a push for federal aid.

    In politics, Governor JB Pritzker unveiled a record $56 billion FY27 budget proposal on February 18, boosting education funding by $305 million through the Evidence-Based Funding formula, reaching $9.2 billion total, while increasing K-12 grants and special education support, as outlined in the state's Budget-in-Brief. The plan prioritizes infrastructure with $200 million for roads, bridges, and transit, plus $100 million for Site Readiness Illinois to attract major projects, praised by Illinois Economic Development Corporation CEO Christy George. Executive Order 2026-01 accelerates new nuclear power development, directing agencies to solicit proposals for at least two gigawatts by 2033 to meet clean energy goals under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. The 104th General Assembly advances bills like HB4073 freezing lawmakers' pay raises and SB2462 easing pension restrictions on Israel boycotters, per LegiScan.

    Economically, AbbVie announced a $380 million expansion in North Chicago for pharmaceutical manufacturing, bolstering jobs and the state's life sciences sector, as reported by the company. Romeoville kicks off 2026 with new retail, including La Hacienda grocery and speakeasy restaurant, plus quick-serve spots and fitness centers, per Patch.com. Yet debates rage over data centers straining energy costs versus economic gains, with Pritzker proposing a two-year incentive moratorium.

    Communities see progress in education, with sustained Teacher Vacancy Grants and higher ed boosts like Illinois State's 1% funding increase. Infrastructure includes summer projects in districts like CCSD21 and vocational training via $20 million for pre-apprenticeships.

    Looking Ahead: Watch for legislature responses to the budget by spring, nuclear developer notices within 60 days, and State of the Union reactions from split Illinois lawmakers like boycotting Reps. Schakowsky and Casten.

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  • Illinois Governor Pritzker Unveils Record 56 Billion Dollar 2027 Budget With Major Education and Housing Investments

    Illinois Governor Pritzker Unveils Record 56 Billion Dollar 2027 Budget With Major Education and Housing Investments
    2026/02/22
    Governor JB Pritzker proposed a record-setting 56 billion dollar budget for fiscal year 2027 this week, addressing a projected 2.2 billion dollar budget gap amid uncertainty over federal funding flowing into Illinois. According to the Illinois Policy Institute, the proposed budget is 879 million dollars higher than what the fiscal year 2026 budget is expected to spend. Despite fiscal pressures, the governor prioritized education and housing affordability as key components of his spending plan.

    On education, Pritzker allocated 305 million dollars in spending increases for the Illinois State Board of Education through the Evidence Based Funding Formula, bringing total EBF funding to 9.2 billion dollars. According to the Illinois State News Bureau, Illinois State University will receive an 822,000 dollar increase, marking the fifth consecutive year of increased appropriations for all Illinois public higher education institutions. The budget also maintains the state's MAP appropriation at 721.6 million dollars, supporting approximately 7,000 undergraduate students at Illinois State.

    Housing affordability emerged as another priority. According to Realtor dot com, Pritzker pitched statewide zoning reforms to legalize more housing types including duplexes, triplexes, and accessory dwelling units, while cutting parking mandates that drive up construction costs. Illinois faces a shortage of 227,000 housing units, with the governor noting that rent remains too high and homeownership too far out of reach.

    On energy policy, Axios reports that Pritzker announced a two-year moratorium on tax incentives for new data center construction, citing concerns about energy consumption and affordability. However, the governor established a new executive order directing Illinois Power and the Commerce Commission to assess sites for new nuclear power plants, aiming to achieve at least 2 gigawatts of capacity by 2033 to serve approximately 2 million households.

    The governor also grew the rainy day fund to nearly 2.5 billion dollars and created a BRIDGE Fund to cover short-term costs from unpredictable federal funding, according to the Illinois budget office.

    Economic challenges persist. The Illinois Policy Institute reports that Amazon laid off 1,545 Illinois employees in January, marking over 2,000 total mass layoffs across the state. The publication notes Illinois dropped to 38th in a nationwide business tax climate ranking.

    Politically, three Democratic candidates for Illinois US Senate debated policy positions Thursday night in Chicago. According to the Daily Illini, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, Representative Robin Kelly, and Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi addressed immigration policy, PAC funding, and economic issues ahead of the March 17 primary election, with Krishnamoorthi leading in recent polls at 34 percent.

    The Illinois legislature will work to approve the proposed budget and address housing and energy initiatives in coming weeks.

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  • Pritzker Unveils $56 Billion Budget Plan: Nuclear Power, Medical Debt Relief, and Education Funding Take Center Stage

    Pritzker Unveils $56 Billion Budget Plan: Nuclear Power, Medical Debt Relief, and Education Funding Take Center Stage
    2026/02/19
    Governor JB Pritzker delivered his combined State of the State and FY2027 budget address to the Illinois General Assembly on February 18, proposing a $56 billion plan that limits new spending amid a projected $2.2 billion gap and federal funding uncertainties from the Trump administration, which he says has already cost Illinois $8.4 billion. NPR Illinois reports Pritzker highlighted the negotiation of $1 billion in medical debt relief for 520,000 residents across all 102 counties, with plans to continue the program. He also issued Executive Order 2026-01 to accelerate safe nuclear power development, directing agencies to identify sites and create a regulatory framework prioritizing affordability and safety, as detailed on Illinois.gov.[1][6]

    In politics, the 104th General Assembly sees active bills on pension changes, clean energy, and criminal justice, with top sponsors like Rep. Emanuel Welch introducing nearly 1,000 measures, according to LegiScan.[2] Pritzker proposed new fees on social media, zoning reforms for more affordable housing like granny flats, and a two-year freeze on data center tax incentives due to energy demands, per WTTW News and Axios.[5][7]

    Economically, the budget boosts K-12 education by $305 million under Evidence-Based Funding, reaching $9.2 billion, and invests $100 million in Site Readiness Illinois for infrastructure, plus $20 million for workforce apprenticeships, as outlined in the FY27 Budget-in-Brief.[4][8] Locally, Romeoville announced booming developments including a new La Hacienda restaurant with speakeasy, retail centers, VASA Fitness, and hotels, signaling strong growth, Patch reports.[3]

    Community efforts include $200 million for public infrastructure like roads and bridges. No major recent weather events reported. Public safety bills target threats to educators and youth restorative justice.[2]

    Looking Ahead: Watch for budget deliberations, nuclear site assessments, and federal court battles over funding, alongside Romeoville's pending retail openings and Bears stadium progress in Arlington Heights.

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  • Illinois Faces Federal Funding Cuts and Budget Challenges in Pritzker's Upcoming Fiscal Proposal

    Illinois Faces Federal Funding Cuts and Budget Challenges in Pritzker's Upcoming Fiscal Proposal
    2026/02/17
    Governor JB Pritzker will present his eighth budget to the Illinois General Assembly on Wednesday as the state grapples with significant federal funding uncertainties. The Trump administration has targeted Illinois for substantial federal cuts, including a one billion dollar child care funding freeze that has been temporarily blocked by courts and one hundred million dollars in threatened health care funding cuts, according to reporting from the Daily Herald.

    The state faces a five hundred eighty-seven million dollar deficit stemming from federal tax changes. State lawmakers have attempted to address this by decoupling Illinois's tax code from the federal government in certain areas, which is expected to reduce the deficit by two hundred forty-three million dollars. However, additional challenges loom. Under provisions in federal legislation that apply to states like Illinois that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, a six percent cap on health care provider taxes will gradually decrease starting in fiscal year twenty-twenty-eight until reaching three point five percent by twenty thirty-two. When combined with declining federal Medicaid aid, the state could lose one point seven billion dollars annually by fiscal year thirty-one, according to the governor's budget office.

    The legislative session, which began in January, has focused on initial organizational efforts and positioning ahead of the budget address. Notable legislation introduced includes the Holistic Overdose Prevention and Equity Act, the Human Services Professional Loan Repayment Program, and bills addressing domestic violence protections and LGBTQ rights in long-term care facilities, as reported by the National Association of Social Workers Illinois chapter.

    On the economic development front, Illinois continues attracting significant attention as a data center hub. The state currently hosts approximately two hundred data centers, with Chicago and its suburbs containing between one hundred thirty and one hundred seventy-five facilities. At least twenty-two additional data center projects are in various planning stages across Illinois, though some have faced community opposition, according to the National Law Review.

    Infrastructure investment continues across the state. U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky announced twelve point five million dollars in federal funding for fifteen projects including bridge replacements, water system improvements, and lead service line replacements throughout her district. Meanwhile, Western Illinois is receiving thirty-four million dollars for infrastructure projects in twenty twenty-six, as noted by State Senator Mike Halpin.

    The Illinois pension deficit stands at one hundred forty billion dollars, and lawmakers continue debating school choice initiatives and other education funding priorities.

    Looking ahead, listeners should watch for the governor's budget proposal on Wednesday and the spring legislative session's subsequent developments as lawmakers navigate federal uncertainty and state budget constraints.

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  • Illinois Sues Trump Administration, Unveils $50M Business Investment, and Prepares for Pivotal State Budget Address

    Illinois Sues Trump Administration, Unveils $50M Business Investment, and Prepares for Pivotal State Budget Address
    2026/02/15
    Illinois joins other Democrat-led states in suing the Trump administration to halt planned cuts of over $600 million in public health grants, according to WTTW News, while the Illinois Department of Public Health reports a separate $100 million slash to local programs. The 2026 Spring Legislative Session kicked off in January with the Senate convening first, focusing on organization ahead of the February 6 bill filing deadline, as detailed by NASW-IL. Notable early bills include the Holistic Overdose Prevention and Equity Act and measures updating inclusive language for persons with disabilities.

    In business news, Governor Pritzker announced Tangent Technologies will invest $50 million in sustainable lumber manufacturing, creating 110 jobs in Montgomery, per the Illinois government press release. However, the Illinois Policy Institute criticizes $45 million in state grants to select chambers of commerce like the Hispanic Chamber of Illinois, calling it taxpayer-subsidized pork amid 2,815 rushed budget earmarks. The Chicago metro area eyes growth as a data center hub with 22 new projects planned, though some face local opposition, reports the National Law Review.

    Community efforts advance with U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky securing $12.5 million for 15 projects in the 9th District, funding bridge replacements, school improvements, police social work programs, and water resiliency like PFAS mitigation in Cary. The Illinois Department of Agriculture plans $3.6 million in grants for local food infrastructure starting February 18. No major recent weather events reported.

    Looking Ahead: Governor Pritzker delivers his State of the State and Budget Address on February 18, setting priorities amid a $140 billion pension deficit and election-year debates, with both legislative chambers in session that week.

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  • Illinois Legislature Kicks Off 2026 Session with $45M Business Funding, Overdose Prevention, and Infrastructure Investments

    Illinois Legislature Kicks Off 2026 Session with $45M Business Funding, Overdose Prevention, and Infrastructure Investments
    2026/02/12
    Illinois kicked off its 2026 Spring Legislative Session in January, with the Senate convening January 13-14 for organizational matters and the House following the week of January 20-22, according to the NASW-Illinois Chapter update. Notable bills include the Holistic Overdose Prevention and Equity Act and measures on domestic violence protections and inclusive language for disabilities. Lawmakers allocated over $45 million in state funds to select business groups like the Austin African American Business Network Association, drawing criticism from the Illinois Policy Institute for lacking transparency and favoring specific regions. On the economic front, Governor JB Pritzker announced Tangent Technologies will invest $50 million in Montgomery, creating 110 jobs, as stated in the official Illinois government press release.

    Infrastructure advances include U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky securing $12.5 million for 15 projects in the 9th District, funding bridge replacements, school improvements, and water resiliency efforts like lead service line replacements in Morton Grove, per her office announcement. Community concerns persist over the Mahomet Aquifer, with Senator Paul Faraci prioritizing protections amid carbon sequestration debates, as reported by IPM Newsroom. The Illinois Accountability Commission released a January 30 report documenting alleged federal agent misconduct during Operation Midway Blitz, according to the Daily Northwestern.

    Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson vowed to challenge the Trump administrations denial of disaster aid for August 2025 northern Illinois storms, echoing Governor Pritzkers criticism in Capitol News Illinois and WTTW reports. No major recent weather events were noted beyond that.

    Looking Ahead, expect Governor Pritzkers State of the State and Budget Address on February 18, alongside bill filing deadlines and Route 66 centennial events. Environmentalists eye carbon pipeline eminent domain bills, and counties push for federal transportation funding equity.

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  • Illinois Political Landscape Heats Up: Primaries, Dark Money Accusations, and Economic Shifts Ahead

    Illinois Political Landscape Heats Up: Primaries, Dark Money Accusations, and Economic Shifts Ahead
    2026/02/10
    Illinois politics heats up as primaries near, with a forum in IL-09 turning fierce when Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss accused state Sen. Laura Fine of accepting dark money and Trump donor funds, according to POLITICO. Commissioner Donna Miller earned Congressman Brad Schneider's endorsement in IL-02's Democratic primary, while Cook County Board races see Ald. Brendan Reilly airing ads against incumbent Toni Preckwinkle. State Rep. Murri Briel amended her open burn permit bill amid Republican backlash, per POLITICO.

    Legislators filed SB 3821/HB 5367 to raise the minimum wage to $17 an hour by July 2026 and $27 by 2032, drawing small business concerns from NFIB Illinois. Chicago enacted tax hikes for FY2026, including a sports wagering rate jump from 2% to 10.25% and watercraft mooring fees from 7% to 23.25%, reports Grant Thornton. The Illinois House and Senate reconvene February 17, ahead of Governor Pritzker's Budget and State of the State addresses on February 18, via ISACo.

    Economically, Chicago business activity grew for the first time since November 2023, per Illinois Policy Institute, with the Illinois EDC tracking 998 company expansions since 2022, creating 27,100 jobs and $23.9 billion in investment. Congressman Darin LaHood secured $19 million for district projects like Peoria industrial park upgrades and bridge replacements. COGFA's January briefing notes surging estate taxes but uneven general funds.

    Community efforts advance with $3.6 million in local food infrastructure grants opening February 18 from IDOA, and $24 million for manufacturing training at community colleges, WTTW reports. School districts like Indian Prairie approved $26 million in renovations, while Ball-Chatham and Yorkville eye referendums. Infrastructure gains include a new I-80 interchange in Grundy County. No major recent weather events reported.

    Looking Ahead: Watch primaries in 40 days, ILCC portal transition blacking out February 11, federal surface transportation bill impacts, and counties' funding push.

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