An interactive map can be found HERE

Democrats say the rationale for the change is to equalize population between the five districts “to better reflect the population and demographic shifts that have occurred in the state of Illinois over the past 60 years.” The map was last drawn in 1963. 

“The boundaries for Illinois Supreme Court districts have not been updated for several decades, it’s time we make changes in recognition of the population changes and demographic shifts that have taken place since the 1960s,” said Sen. Omar Aquino (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Redistricting Committee, in a statement. “Illinois is a very different state than it was sixty years ago, and the voters of Illinois deserve to elect members to our state’s highest court that reflect their values.”

Democrats took a political blow in Nov. 2020 when electors voted not to retain former Justice Thomas Kilbride in the Second Judicial District. Much of that district, which currently contains much of northern Illinois, has been split between districts four and two in the draft released Tuesday. 

House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Burr Ridge) said in a press conference Monday that Democrats would attempt to release a map that would shore up their political power in the Supreme Court.

“Last November, when Justice Kilbride was not retained, it sent shockwaves through the Illinois trail lawyers and labor unions and all the other people that are in the majority in Springfield. [They knew] that their days were numbered if that district was going to remain the same. Quite frankly, if they don’t change the district, the balance of power would go to Republicans. … I imagine within the next few weeks, there will be some type of map … that is going redraw that district to make it more appealing to Democrat voters,” Durkin said Monday. 

Changing Supreme Court districts will likely result in major changes throughout the state, as the districts dictate where certain judicial precedents are applicable and the administration of appellate courts. 

Illinois workers will work on nearly 2,800 miles of roads and 7.9 million square feet of bridge deck as part of a new multi-year infrastructure plan announced Wednesday by Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).

Pritzker joined with legislative leaders on the Senate Transportation Committee and IDOT Acting Secretary Omer Osman to present the program in Springfield. Osman praised the work that IDOT was able to accomplish throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, while Pritzker said the upcoming investments in infrastructure will play a role in leading the state out of it. 

“At the very start of the pandemic, for us in the transportation and essential services [sector], we worked tirelessly to maintain safe, reliable infrastructure. I consider the work we did to keep Illinois moving, helping with the movement of medical supplies and other critical resources … I consider that work to be heroic,” Osman said. 

“This past year truly has brought home how important transportation systems are connecting the lives of our residents and our communities, delivering food products to grocery stores, getting essential workers to their jobs, and transporting patients to the hospital. That's equally true when it comes to setting forth a robust recovery from this pandemic: getting remote workers back to the office; expanding job opportunities for our hotel, hospitality, and recreation workers; encouraging businesses to invest here in Illinois; and, of course, attracting visitors to hit the road for a great American road trip,” Pritzker said.

The plan includes $5.79 billion for highway reconstruction and preservation, $4.82 billion for bridge improvements, $2.59 billion for strategic expansion, $1.43 billion for system support and land acquisition, and $1.21 billion for safety and system modernizations. Approximately $3.32 billion of this plan is planned for use in the upcoming fiscal year.

Pritzker also announced that full Amtrak Service will begin in Illinois on July 19. Four state-sponsored lines will also resume service, between Chicago and Milwaukee, Chicago and Quincy, Chicago and Carbondale, and Chicago and St. Louis. 

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, said that a data-driven focus on equity and help underserved communities is a key element of this plan, as it was when the General Assembly passed the Rebuild Illinois transportation budget in 2019. 

“It is incredibly important that we continue to prioritize the factors of safety, economic development, accessibility, livability, environmental impact, congestion mitigation, and increased benefits to racially marginalized communities and low-to-moderate income communities. The projects that the governor and secretary are announcing today will maintain improve and expand our transportation and infrastructure network throughout the state,” he said. 

Allison Richard

Legislative Consultant

Illinois is launching a new framework for distributing housing assistance to both tenants and property owners as Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed key COVID-19 emergency housing legislation Monday.

HB2877 (Ramirez) creates a system to distribute nearly $1.5 billion in federal funds to renters and property owners through the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) and extends key protections for renters, including sealing eviction records until Aug. 1, 2022. 

At a press conference Monday, Pritzker said that the Illinois Rental Payment Program, overseen by IHDA, will support tenants who have lost income because of the COVID-19 pandemic by providing grants of up to $25,000 directly to landlords to cover rent dating back to June 2020 and up to through Aug. 2021. 

“It was clear when we implemented last year’s housing relief programs that the need was far greater than the dollars allocated to our state. That’s why I’m pleased to announce today that Illinois is expanding rental relief to $1.5 billion, nearly 4 times the amount that was available last year,” Pritzker said. “The Illinois Rental Payment Program will ensure more than 120,000 household renters see relief, with more renters potentially being touched in the future, too. Any eligible resident who rents their home, is behind on payments, and experienced financial hardship in the pandemic is eligible to apply for up to $25,000 of rental assistance paid directly to their housing provider or landlord.”

Tenants are eligible if their 2020 income was below 80 percent of the area median income and have an unpaid rent balance. Priority is given to those who earn less than 50 percent of the area median income and to those who have been unemployed for at least 90 days.

In addition to the rental funds, the state will also be providing $400 million in mortgage assistance and using $280 million in federal and state funds to prevent utility service shutoff around the state. 

“Families suffering from financial hardship should not have to worry about losing their homes. I’m proud to have taken action, with my colleagues in the General Assembly, preventing evictions and providing funding for the rent assistance working families need. Legislation like House Bill 2877 will give people experiencing housing distress the means to keep a roof over their heads as they seek better opportunities as the economy recovers from the pandemic,” said Sen. Omar Aquino (D-Chicago), sponsored the bill in the Senate.

HB2877 passed through the House on March 18 and through the Senate on April 29 with opposition from Republicans in both chambers. 

Allison Richard

Legislative Consultant

Senate Republicans Monday said that the majority Democrats’ proposal for reforming ethics and rooting out public corruption in Illinois doesn’t go far enough, urging passage of their own legislation in the waning weeks of the General Assembly.

Senate Leader Dan McConchie (R-Lake Zurich), Sen. John Curran (R-Lemont), and Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) appeared at a statehouse news conference to urge quick action on SB1350 (Curran). McConchie invoked the words of Gov. J.B. Pritzker in his 2020 state-of-the-state address promising to “root out the purveyors of greed and corruption,” to demonstrate how Democrats have failed to address ethics reform.

“Since he spoke these words 14 months ago, the governor has sat idle on the sidelines. He has refused to put forward his own package and has failed to address the flames of corruption that continue to engulf this state. We’re tired of waiting; we’re tired of inaction. The governor has failed in many ways in his administration, and right now this is key among these,” McConchie said.

Curran said their bill expands on SB4 (Gillespie), the Democrat’s ethics bill, in four key ways: it allows the Illinois Attorney General to convene a statewide grand jury on matters of public corruption, it allows the Illinois Attorney General to seek judicial approval for wiretaps in public corruption investigations,  allows the Legislative Inspector General to conduct investigations and submit subpoenas related to public corruption with the approval of the Legislative Ethics Commission, and bans legislators from lobbying and institutes a one-year revolving-door prohibition before a former legislator can begin lobbying state government.

Curran said that many of the recent scandals that have involved members of the General Assembly and particularly Democrats could have been brought to light and addressed sooner and more thoroughly.

“Let’s take [Commonwealth Edison] for example, and you're talking about wiretapping authority at the local level. That would have unleashed our 102 local prosecutors where these legislators go home and often conduct these deals in secret. Local authorities there would be able to actually start investigating and bring those matters before a grand jury,” Curran said, noting that federal authorities and local authorities in other states like New York already have many of these powers.

Curran also argued that the majority’s proposal for ethics reform has not received enough attention and work through the committee process, despite upcoming legislative deadlines. Tracy said that over a dozen ethics-related bills have been introduced by Senate Republicans, yet none have received a hearing.

“We need to mop out the dark corners, throw open the windows, and let some fresh air in to clear out the smoke-filled back rooms and blow the dust off the status quo. It is unfortunate that we seem to be meeting opposition, every step of the way in our effort to reform the process,” Tracy said. “We have two weeks left in session and the clock is simply running out."

Allison Richard
Legislative Consultant

Illinoisans who are fully vaccinated do not need to wear masks in most settings, according to updated rules adopted by Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health Monday.

Pritzker updated the state’s rules with Executive Order 21-10 following new guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The guidance still requires masks to be worn in health care settings, in Illinois schools, in daycare centers, in large congregations, and on public transit.

“Getting vaccinated is the ultimate protection from COVID-19 and the quickest ticket back to normal life,” Pritzker said in a statement. “With public health experts now saying fully vaccinated people can safely remove their masks in most settings, I’m pleased to follow the science and align Illinois’ policies with the CDC’s guidance. I also support the choice of individuals and businesses to continue to mask out of an abundance of caution as this pandemic isn’t over yet.”

Over the weekend, many large businesses such as national grocery chains announced that customers would no longer need to wear masks per CDC guidance. The rules also stipulate that individuals do not necessarily need to get tested for COVID-19 or quarantining if they are knowingly exposed but show no symptoms. Fully vaccinated individuals can also refrain from testing for international travel, unless their destination country requires screening.

The full text of the executive order is attached.

Allison Richard
Legislative Consultant

The US Department of Treasury released more details on the American Rescue Plan today. A link at the bottom will take you to the Federal website.

The American Rescue Plan will deliver $350 billion for eligible state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments to respond to the COVID-19 emergency and bring back jobs.

The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds provide a substantial infusion of resources to help turn the tide on the pandemic, address its economic fallout, and lay the foundation for a strong and equitable recovery.
Funding Objectives

Treasury is launching this much-needed relief to:

[…] Use of Funds

The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds provide eligible state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments with a substantial infusion of resources to meet pandemic response needs and rebuild a stronger, and more equitable economy as the country recovers. Recipients may use these funds to:

Within these overall categories, recipients have broad flexibility to decide how best to use this funding to meet the needs of their communities.

US Dept of Treasury

Taylor Anderson

As COVID-19 vaccination rates continue to slow and level-off in Illinois, the state is attempting to meet individuals where they are to get shots into the arms of Illinoisans by offering vaccines at workplaces and other businesses.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Gov. J.B. Pritzker Monday announced the state is partnering with the Building Owners and Managers Association of Chicago (BOMA) to begin a pilot project to offer vaccines starting in downtown Chicago on May 17.Starting today, buildings and corporate tenants can begin to sign up to host vaccine clinics. 

“Our vaccination teams will be showing up to major commercial buildings here in Chicago and other Illinois business districts to offer accessible free vaccination opportunities to people in the comfort of their own workplaces,” Pritzker said Monday. “Many of the buildings have had staff here day-in and day-out, [such as] security workers, front desk staff, custodians and building engineers. For many building tenants, remote work is coming to an end. Having a vaccine available where you work makes getting vaccinated very, very convenient.” 

Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said more vaccination clinic sites will become available if demand remains high, and any property owner, including community organizations and not-for-profit churches, will be eligible to join the program and host vaccine clinics. 

The first wave of the program will host seven locations in Chicago, two in Rockford, and one in Schaumberg. Two key Chicago locations will be Merchandise Mart and the Wrigley Building. 

“Now that we have a vaccine that is proven to be safe and effective, more and more employers are beginning to plan out to, or have already, welcomed employees back to the office. As a government, health care, business, and labor leaders, it’s our responsibility to make sure this transition is as smooth as possible,” Lightfoot said Monday.

Building owners interested in joining the program can contact IDPH or BOMA directly. 

Allison Richard

Legislative Consultant

Illinois businesses will be able to operate with loosened COVID-19 safety restrictions next week and fully re-open in June if metrics continue to improve, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced Thursday. 

“I’m pleased to announce that the concerning upward movement of cases and hospitalizations we were seeing a few weeks ago have stabilized – a testament to the lifesaving, community-protecting power of vaccinations,” Pritzker said. “As a result, on Friday, May 14th, the State of Illinois will move into the Bridge Phase of our mitigation plan – one step closer to removing nearly all of the remaining mitigations, and a very hopeful move toward fully reopening. I want to thank people across Illinois who are getting vaccinated, wearing their masks, and continuing to do their part to make your friends and family safer and your communities healthier.”

Given current conditions, Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois plan will begin on June 11, allowing gatherings of all sizes and large events like conventions and festivals to take place.

IDPH also announced the expansion of COVID-19 vaccines to private doctors’ offices and other small medical providers. Vaccine providers Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart announced this week they are also offer walk-in vaccinations and same-day appointments. 

Allison Richard

Legislative Consultant

Gov. J.B. Pritzker and other state officials Wednesday laid out a plan for how they intend to spend $7 billion in federal funding over the next several years helping students transition back to in-person learning after the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund program is sending $7.8 billion to Illinois for education, with $7 billion being sent directly to school districts over 3 years. To assist districts, the Illinois P-20 council has released the “Learning Renewal Resource Guide,” which includes expert recommendations on those funds can be best spent to help students. 

At a press conference at South Elgin High School, Pritzker said the pandemic has placed an unprecedented burden on parents, teachers, administrators, and especially students.  

“Over the last year I've spoken with so many of you who are so worried about what the future may hold for them. We're here today to take a little bit of that worry off your plates. … I'm very pleased to announce that thanks to the American Rescue Plan about $7 billion will be available over the next three years to renew K-12 learning for Illinois students -- an unparalleled influx of resources with which we can do truly right by our students,” the governor said. 

“With these enormous new resources comes the great challenge that most districts have never had to face: how to avoid having the last 12 months become a lost year for our students.”

The recommendations in the resource guide are not intended to be a perfect fit for every district and Pritzker suggested each district work with their unique community resources to identify what works best for them. At the state level, the governor said they are focusing on four key areas: high-impact tutoring, social and emotional learning, interim assessment guidance, and bridge transitions that will encourage enrollment in early childhood education and higher education. 

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton said the resource guide will be continually updated as it is used throughout the state and districts provide feedback on what practices are effective or not. The guide was developed in partnership with multiple organizations, including the Illinois State Board of Education, Illinois Board of Higher Education, Illinois Community College Board, Illinois Student Assistance Commission, and the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development. 

Allison F. Richard

Legislative Consultant

Illinois will lose one seat in the U.S. House of Representatives due to population shifts reflected in 2020 Census data, the U.S. Census Bureau announced today. 

The state’s congressional delegation currently has 18 members, including 13 Democrats and 5 Republicans. After the upcoming redistricting process, that count will be reduced to 17. 

Asked about the reapportionment at an event Monday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said his administration sought to identify the populations that were leaving the state. 

“Unfortunately, this has been happening for more than a decade --that we've had outward migration from the state. When I took office, this unfortunately had continued. I looked very closely at the numbers of people, who they are, where they come from, why they're leaving, and what you see is actually the largest portion of the population that was moving out were young people who were choosing to go to college out of state, because they couldn't afford to go to college in Illinois,” Pritzker said.

The governor said that increasing funding for things like grants through the Monetary Award Program and merit-based scholarships has helped stabilize college enrollment in Illinois, despite the adverse impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on colleges and universities nationwide. 

Illinois House Republicans Monday noted that Illinois is one of only three states that has seen a net population decrease since the previous census. They said that policies of the Democratic majority in the General Assembly and the governor’s office have led to this decrease. 

Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria) said the news is a sign that the congressional redistricting process should not be in the hands of the General Assembly.  

“One thing is clear: the majority party, the Democratic Party, who has led us to this very unfortunate position of being one of three states that are losing population and has sent population packing and people fleeing the state of Illinois, should not be the people that are taking the initiative to select their very own voters. The Democratic Party has put our state into this position, and they want to be the only organization that draws legislative districts. I think it’s patently unfair and will lead to more of the same for the state of Illinois,” he said.

There are 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. Each state is given one member, and the remaining 385 are distributed based on population. California, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia are also losing one seat each. Florida, Colorado, Montana, North Carolina, and Oregon will be receiving one additional seat, while Texas will be receiving two. 

Allison Richard

Legislative Consultant