AGP Executive Report

Bears Stadium Fallout: Illinois lawmakers are scrambling as the Chicago Bears push ahead with a new stadium plan in Hammond, Indiana, with a suburban GOP lawmaker drafting the Taxpayer Investment Protection Act to set benchmarks and safeguards if the team stays in the Prairie State. City Hall Watch: Chicago aldermen are demanding transparency over the parking meter deal after a planned transfer of the remaining contract years, arguing the city can’t “rubber-stamp” another version of the privatization. Healthcare Staffing Fight: Nurses at Joliet’s St. Joseph Medical Center filed a class action alleging unsafe understaffing under Prime Healthcare and Ascension, while a separate CPS clerk faces layoff amid claims of disability accommodation discrimination. Credit Union “Swipe Fee” Clash: The National Credit Union Administration moved to preempt Illinois’ swipe-fee limits for credit unions, escalating the state-federal fight over interchange rules. Kids & Schools: A new Kids Count report says Illinois ranks high on youth well-being overall, but reading and math outcomes remain worse than pre-pandemic levels. Public Safety: Chicago police reported a fatal Austin shooting that left one dead and three injured, and arrested a 13-year-old in a Bronzeville attack that injured four children.

Prison Plan: Illinois Department of Corrections says it will rebuild both Stateville and Logan prisons in Crest Hill, a move that’s already drawing backlash from Republicans and raising concerns for Lincoln-area workers and families. Bears Stadium Fallout: With Illinois stadium financing stalled, the Chicago Bears board voted to advance a multi-billion stadium project in Hammond, Indiana—keeping the team’s future in flux while Illinois lawmakers and local leaders argue over whether a deal can still be reached. Gun Violence Focus: Geneva approved a proclamation naming June Gun Violence Awareness Month, while Chicago saw a deadly weekend surge with multiple shootings leaving four dead, including teens. City Hall Politics: Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza launched a bid for Chicago mayor, pitching herself as a steady hand on the taxpayer dollar amid ongoing city credit and budget tensions. Legal & Courts: A federal jury convicted a Norcross man in a $400,000 fake tax refund scheme, and Illinois’s interchange fee law was permanently enjoined for many entities after a court ruling and legislative delay. Energy & Environment: Ameren Illinois picked Taylorville for its Energize Your Town efficiency pilot, and Illinois AG Raoul backed EPA efforts to expand research and monitoring on microplastics in drinking water. Healthcare Policy: Illinois lawmakers advanced bills tied to the federal 340B drug pricing program, including an audit requirement for how hospitals and clinics benefit.

Data Center Tax Pause: Gov. JB Pritzker is pausing new Illinois data center tax incentives starting July 1, citing electricity-rate pressure after lawmakers failed to pass guardrails. Public Safety Funding: The Illinois State Fire Marshal awarded $6 million in small equipment grants to 260 fire and EMS agencies statewide. Child Well-Being Watch: A new Kids Count report says Illinois ranks relatively well on youth support, but reading and math proficiency remain below pre-pandemic levels and child/teen death rates are rising. Procurement & Construction: State lawmakers approved a bill to clarify oversight of construction procurement and extend design-build authority through 2030. Consumer Tech Rules: Another measure approved by the General Assembly sets limits on how loud ads can be on video streaming services, aligning with federal CALM standards. Chicago Violence: Separate South Side shootings left multiple young people injured, including a 12-year-old. Community Legal Help: “Lawyer in the Library” sessions are scheduled across Southern Illinois, offering free 20-minute attorney advice by pre-registration.

Illinois Policy Watch: Illinois lawmakers are moving on a cellphone “bell to bell” ban for elementary and middle school students starting in the 2027-28 school year, with high school phone use left to district discretion—drawing both praise and pushback from school communities. Health Insurance: State Rep. Katie Stuart’s HB5492 would require most major insurers to cover up to a 12-month supply of prescription hormone therapy and supplies for self-administration, with the bill now cleared through the General Assembly. Veterans & Lottery Oversight: HB4911 would shift the Illinois Veterans Assistance Fund’s scratch-off oversight committee to meet twice a year instead of quarterly. Chicago Governance: Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration named Antonio King as Chicago’s first director of LGBTQ+ Affairs, with priorities including youth mental health and support for aging LGBTQ residents. Courts & Federal Policy: The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to rule on major gun and transgender-athlete cases, plus disputes tied to a federal gun ban for people using illegal drugs. Public Safety: Chicago saw another deadly night of gun violence, including multiple teen victims.

Data Center Tax Pause: Gov. JB Pritzker is pausing Illinois’ data center tax incentives after lawmakers didn’t advance a plan to raise electricity rates for the facilities, aiming to prevent utility bill hikes; deals signed before July 1, 2026 are protected. Food Assistance Court Fight: A federal judge blocked the Trump USDA from enforcing new conditions tying billions in nutrition funding to compliance with immigration and “gender ideology” related policies, pausing the effort while a 20-state lawsuit proceeds. Bears Stadium Fallout: As the Chicago Bears move forward on a Hammond, Indiana stadium plan, Illinois lawmakers say the door isn’t fully closed for Arlington Heights and keep pushing for a deal in-state. Public Safety & Streets: Chicago mourns CDOT bike infrastructure leader Riley O’Neil, killed after a dooring crash in Bridgeport; the incident renews calls for safer protected bike lanes. Gun Violence Response: Chicago community groups are responding to persistent gun violence even as overall crime trends improve, focusing on what works locally. Mobility Rules: Illinois approved new rules for e-bikes, scooters, and high-powered electric motorcycles, with registration and safety requirements.

Bears Stadium Fallout: The Chicago Bears’ board voted to advance a new stadium project in Hammond, Indiana, keeping Illinois lawmakers in the dark on whether the team’s future is truly leaving the state. Local Government & Taxes: Gov. JB Pritzker paused Illinois data center tax credits, arguing the move won’t cut clean-energy progress while critics say it’s a jobs hit. Transportation Policy: Illinois approved new rules for electric bicycles, scooters, and high-powered e-motorcycles, including bans on sidewalk riding and new licensing/insurance and age requirements starting Jan. 1. Public Safety: Illinois State Police reported results from recent occupant restraint enforcement patrols, issuing 55 safety-belt citations and 2 child restraint citations. Health Care Costs: Chicago Medicaid claims for medical and surgical supplies rose to $1,411,908 in 2024, up 13.7% from 2023. Justice & Courts: The Justice Department moved to defend Chicago’s U.S. attorney amid weeks of turmoil. Gun Violence Impact: A new study highlights how the South Side trauma center reduced transport time for gunshot victims, estimating 79 lives saved per 2,000 injuries.

Bears Stadium Fallout: The Chicago Bears’ board voted to advance a new stadium project in Hammond, Indiana, with the exact site still to be selected—prompting fresh reactions from Illinois leaders, fans, and lawmakers as the team’s move reignites the fight over tax breaks and whether Illinois can still act fast enough. Statehouse Consumer Protection: Illinois lawmakers unanimously approved a ticket resale bill requiring resellers to have the tickets in hand before listing, aiming to curb misleading sales and inflated prices. Reproductive Privacy: Democrats sent the Reproductive Health Records Privacy Act to Gov. J.B. Pritzker, which would block electronic health networks from exporting abortion and gender-related medical codes without patient approval. Crypto Crackdown: Illinois advanced a FY2027 budget measure creating a 0.2% tax on crypto transactions and new registration rules for digital asset brokers, with felony penalties for unregistered activity. Public Safety Funding: Gov. Pritzker announced $6 million in small equipment grants for Illinois fire and EMS agencies. Data Center Pause: Pritzker paused processing tax incentive agreements for new data centers starting July 1 while Illinois works on a broader framework. Courts & Rights: A federal judge blocked a USDA policy that would have tied federal food grants to political conditions, and a separate ruling raised questions about whether the Illinois Supreme Court overstepped in ousting a Cook County judge.

Chicago Bears Stadium Fallout: The Bears’ board voted to “advance” a new stadium project in Hammond, Indiana, with the exact site still to be selected—after Illinois lawmakers adjourned without passing a last-minute plan to keep the team in Arlington Heights. Gov. JB Pritzker Data Center Pause: Pritzker ordered a pause on new Illinois data-center tax incentive agreements starting July 1, citing rising energy and water impacts, and urged lawmakers to pass reforms in the fall. Federal Justice Leadership: Gregory M. Gilmore was sworn in as U.S. attorney for the Central District of Illinois, confirmed after a Trump nomination. Behavioral Health 9-1-1 Upgrade: A Peters-backed bill approved by both Illinois chambers will require 9-1-1 call centers to screen for behavioral health crises and route callers to appropriate professionals. Court Compliance Text Reminders: Cassidy’s measure clearing both chambers would require circuit clerks to send defendants text reminders for court hearings. Public Safety: An explosion on I-290 in the west suburbs killed a man and shut down the highway for hours as federal and state investigators responded.

Public Safety & Courts: The Illinois Supreme Court announced a new transparency policy aimed at improving public access to court operations and decisions. Fire/EMS Funding: The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal awarded $6 million in small equipment grants to 260 fire departments and EMS providers statewide. E-Bike/E-Scooter Rules: New Illinois laws set safety requirements taking effect in 2027, including restrictions on where riders can operate and age/licensing rules for higher-speed devices. Transportation: Metra Electric will add more frequent weekday stops in Hyde Park starting June 15, and authorities are investigating an explosion on a Chicago expressway. Education Politics: A public letter exchange between CTU President Stacy Davis Gates and financier Michael Sacks escalated debate over money and influence in Chicago’s school board election. Local Government/Enforcement: Joliet prosecutors dropped a forfeiture case after an attorney challenged the law, mooting the Illinois AG’s constitutional review. Health/Consumer: Abbott must defend a class-action lawsuit over PediaSure “clinically proven” growth claims. Crime/Justice: Lil Durk faces expanded federal racketeering counts tied to alleged murder-for-hire activity.

Public Safety Funding: The Illinois State Fire Marshal announced $6 million in 2026 Small Equipment Grants for 260 fire departments and EMS providers statewide, with awards up to $26,000. Transportation Law: Illinois lawmakers passed a bill regulating faster e-bikes and e-motos over 28 mph as motor vehicles starting Jan. 1, 2027, requiring driver’s licenses, insurance, and registration. Labor & Gig Work: Uber and Lyft drivers in Illinois can now unionize after a bill passed in Springfield, moving collective bargaining rights to the state’s rideshare workforce. Elections & Schools: A bill by Rep. Maura Hirschauer allows school boards to use certified e-learning programs for election days when schools serve as polling places, while Illinois also faces a wave of ballot challenges for Chicago’s first fully elected school board. Health & Courts: A Catholic diocese and a Rockford pregnancy center are appealing a challenge to an Illinois law they say would force them to hire workers who reject their religious and pro-life missions. Chicago Spotlight: The Obama Presidential Center is giving media previews ahead of its June 19 public opening, with a Juneteenth start date.

Chicago Gun Violence Tech: Chicago alderpersons and gun violence survivors are pressing for answers on replacing ShotSpotter, with the city still without a clear successor nearly a year after bids were submitted. State Courts & Justice: The Illinois Supreme Court created a Pretrial Accountability Task Force to study the state’s pretrial system and recommend changes aimed at fairness, transparency, and public safety. Local Housing Control: Island Lake adopted a resolution reaffirming local zoning authority and urging Springfield to preserve municipal control over housing policy, pushing back on “Section 8 Everywhere” ideas. Credit Card Fees Fight: Gov. Jared Polis vetoed a swipe-fee bill in Colorado, a reminder that Illinois’s own swipe-fee efforts remain politically and legally contested. Utility Rates: Consumer advocates are challenging Illinois American Water’s $142.4 million rate hike request before the Illinois Commerce Commission, arguing the proposal overstates profits and assumptions. Public Safety Tragedy: A Berwyn man was charged in a crash that killed an Illinois Tollway worker and injured two others on I-294. Youth Summer Access: Chicago and the YMCA announced free summer YMCA memberships for teens across multiple locations. Obama Presidential Center: The Obama Presidential Center in Chicago is nearing its June 19 opening, with major museum and campus details drawing national attention.

Chicago Mayoral Race (2027): Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza says she’s running again for Chicago mayor, setting up a crowded field and sharpening scrutiny of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s agenda and finances. City Budget Process: Johnson’s administration is kicking off the 2027 budget roundtable series this week, with multiple public meetings across neighborhoods and a youth-focused session. Public Safety & Courts: The “Broadview 6” case continues to reverberate after federal prosecutors faced criticism and charges were dropped, while lawmakers and advocates press for accountability. Illinois Budget & Taxes: Illinois lawmakers passed a record $56B budget that adds new taxes tied to prediction markets, fantasy sports, cryptocurrency, and digital ads—raising questions about costs and who pays. Healthcare Access: Ald. William Hall proposes a City Office of Pharmacy Access to address growing “pharmacy deserts” as store closures leave residents without easy prescription pickup. Workplace Rights: An EEOC lawsuit alleges Alight Solutions violated the ADA by denying diabetes accommodations and firing an employee. Immigration & Detention: International students at NIU say shifting federal rules have made life harder, as visa uncertainty and reinstatements continue to affect enrollment. Community Programs: The YMCA will offer free summer memberships for Chicago teens, aiming to provide safe, structured spaces amid ongoing concerns about teen gatherings.

Budget Deal: Illinois lawmakers approved a $55.9B FY27 budget early Monday after a late-night session slog, freezing parts of the gas tax increase and adding new taxes tied to digital and gaming sectors while spending stays essentially flat. School Policy: Gov. JB Pritzker is set to sign a statewide “bell-to-bell” cellphone ban for public and charter schools, with exceptions for health, special education, and caregiving needs. ICE Enforcement: Illinois Democrats advanced a bill restricting where federal ICE detention centers can be located, moving it to Pritzker’s desk. Workplace Rights: A new Illinois law took effect June 1 giving parents unpaid, job-protected leave when a newborn is admitted to the NICU. Privacy & Tech: The AHA and Illinois hospital group urged a federal appeals court to dismiss a lawsuit over hospital website tracking tech, while Ring faces a new federal privacy suit over its facial recognition “Familiar Faces” feature. Local Government: Hancock County amended its solar siting ordinance to comply with state rules by June 1, and Peoria’s city council unanimously approved a controversial 70-foot Verizon cell tower despite resident concerns. Courts & Safety: An Illinois appeals panel paused an insurer’s fight over coverage in a Freeburg school sex abuse case, and a judge kept a Chicago police officer-killing suspect in custody after denying pretrial release.

Credit Card Fee Fight: A federal judge issued a permanent injunction against Illinois’ “swipe fee” ban just hours after lawmakers delayed it again, putting the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act in serious jeopardy. Education Policy: Gov. JB Pritzker is set to sign a statewide “bell-to-bell” cellphone ban for public and charter schools, with exceptions for health, special education, and English-learning needs. School Curriculum Flexibility: Another education bill would let students meet foreign-language requirements through career and technical education courses, aiming to ease staffing and enrollment pressures. Health Care Access: Illinois passed HB 2371 to protect 340B contract pharmacy access for community health centers, and HB 4327 orders a state study of how 340B works in Illinois. Federal Justice Pressure: Sen. Dick Durbin and Sen. Tammy Duckworth renewed calls for Chicago U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros to resign over the “Broadview Six” case. Budget/Session Wrap: Comptroller Susana Mendoza praised the FY27 budget’s stability and Rainy Day Fund protections as the spring session ended.

Bears Stadium Stalls: Illinois lawmakers adjourned the spring session early Monday without passing a plan to keep the Chicago Bears in-state, and Gov. JB Pritzker acknowledged the team may take a deal in Indiana. State Budget: Illinois approved a record $55.9B FY27 budget early Monday, with Democrats touting investments in education, housing, healthcare and affordability, while Republicans warn it’s too spending-heavy and tax-heavy. Rideshare Labor: A bill passed that would let Illinois rideshare drivers collectively bargain and form unions, moving next to the governor. Swipe-Fee Fight: A federal judge blocked Illinois from enforcing parts of its swipe-fee law for most banks/payment networks, extending uncertainty for the policy. Data-Center Rules: The POWER Act won’t move forward this spring; lawmakers say more hearings and summer work are needed before any future vote. Local Governance: Quincy says a recovery home at 2700 Maine doesn’t need a special permit under federal housing protections. Public Health & Safety: Normal approved a kratom ban starting July 15, with fines for violations.

Bears Stadium Standoff: Illinois lawmakers adjourned without passing a Bears stadium bill, leaving the team’s options split between Arlington Heights and Hammond, Indiana; Gov. JB Pritzker said he won’t “foist” billions in taxpayer money on a billionaire-owned team, while Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signaled openness to a new Cook County stadium-authority approach. State Budget & Taxes: The General Assembly passed a roughly $56B budget that includes new taxes on social media companies, crypto, and fantasy sports, plus a return of a back-to-school sales tax holiday (Aug. 7–16). Transit Overhaul: The Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act took effect, starting the shift from RTA to NITA and triggering a CTA/Metra/Pace funding boost via a quarter-cent sales tax. Courts & Accountability: A unanimous U.S. Supreme Court ruling backed victims’ ability to sue freight brokers over negligent hiring tied to an Illinois crash. School Funding Planning: Waukegan D60 board members discussed how to fund state-mandated school improvement plans, warning budgets may not match the “blueprint” needs. Workplace & Safety: A fatal industrial accident was reported in Anderson County, and a separate Peoria incident involved a stabbing and shooting with the suspect found nearby.