Gov. J.B. Pritzker Monday signed legislation that would expand cost of living adjustments for Chicago firefighters despite opposition to the bill from Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and other groups.

HB2451 (Martwick) sets a 3 percent annual pension increase to all Tier 1 Chicago firefighters, accounting for about 2,200 active and retired firefighters who current receive a 1.5 percent annual increase. Additionally, it eliminates a 30 percent cap on these cost of living adjustments.

“I’ve always believed that hardworking men and women who have earned their pension shouldn’t pay the price for local or state budget challenges,” Pritzker said in a statement. “HB2451 creates a system that gives all firefighters certainty and fair treatment. And to make sure that the city can meet its obligations, my administration is working to sell the James R. Thompson Center, which will return to the city’s property tax rolls and is projected to generate $45 million annually for the city and its sister agencies.”

In February, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot urged the governor to veto the bill in a letter, calling it a “massive, unfunded mandate” and saying the pension expansion would place an additional burden on taxpayers in Chicago, amounting to about $850 million by 2055. The bill was also opposed by watchdog group the Civic Federation. 

HB2451 is effective immediately. 

Allison F. Richard

Legislative Consultant

Gov. J.B. Pritzker Tuesday signed four bills developed by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus aimed at improving economic equity for all Illinoisans, but especially those from disadvantaged communities. 

Pritzker said the bills take significant steps to address various ways in which Illinoisans are withheld from economic opportunity and success. 

“It’s easy to see the terrible consequences of systemic racism in economic access and equity of opportunity, but it’s another thing to actually do something about it. Together these four bills mark significant progress in our efforts to close the racial gaps and eliminate barriers that have for too long unfairly held Black and Brown Illinoisans back. … This pillar advances our common vision for quality and inclusion by recognizing and addressing communities that have historically been cut out of the conversation,” the governor said Tuesday at the bill signing at Union Baptist Church in Springfield. 

The four bills are the following:

 - 101-SB1480 (Belt), which prevents employers from disqualifying jobs applications with a criminal record unless it specifically relates to the job. It also requires larger employers to obtain equal pay certificates from the Illinois Department of Labor, certifying they provide equal pay on the bases of gender, race, and ethnicity. 

- 101-SB1608 (Belt), the Illinois Community Reinvestment Act, which aims to incentivize safe lending in low- and moderate-income communities. It also updates the state’s procurement code to ensure the state is finding diverse candidates for contracting and procurement.

- 101-SB1792 (Belt), which prevents pay-day lenders from charging more than 36 percent interest on loans. 

- 101-SB1980 (Belt), which allows felony offenders to live in federally subsidized housing. It also creates new standards for public housing authorities who are screening tenants. 

“Communities of color have waited for far too long for this kind of economic equity reform. It is long overdue,” House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Westchester) said in a statement. “This is a monumental step toward our mission of addressing systemic racism by expanding economic access and opportunity. I applaud Governor Pritzker and the advocates who fought for this critical legislation and I look forward to continue to work on bringing about economic equity in the lives of all Illinoisans.”

Taking questions from reporters, Black Caucus Chair Sen. Kimberly Lightford (D-Chicago) said the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020 spurred the Black Caucus to take issues of equality seriously and pass legislation by the end of the 101st General Assembly. 

“You guys are shocked because you didn't know we could do it. You didn't know that we can stay together in unity and work as hard as we can, because it was never acknowledged over the years. So the whole idea that we rushed it through or it was done in a short period of time -- it’s absolutely not true. A lot of work, a lot of hours were spent. [There was] a lot of involvement from people all across the state. … Now I understand why I have been so angry at the system. I clearly understand why I leave here every year with billions of dollars in a state budget that I voted for, but the impact, we never feel in our communities,” she said. 

Allison F. Richard

Legislative Consultant

Please see below Amendment to SB 1714.

50 ILCS 740 - Illinois Fire Protection Training Act.

SB1714

FIRE ADVISORY COMMISSION (Castro, C) Amends the State Fire Marshal Act. Corrects typographical errors and includes the Illinois Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators in the organizations from which ex officio members of the Illinois Fire Advisory Commission shall serve. Effective immediately. Bill Version: Senate Amendment 2 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Illinois Fire Protection Training Act. Deletes provision that fire fighter training schools must provide training in the history of the fire service labor movement using curriculum and instructors provided by a statewide organization representing professional union firefighters in Illinois. ILCS Section(s) Affected: 50 ILCS 740/8;

Allison F. Richard

Legislative Consultant

In its first major votes of the 102nd General Assembly, the Illinois House Thursday passed measures that attempt to address health care disparities faced by Black and other minority communities, and that protect renters in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Today was a phenomenal day for the Illinois House. When we adopted rules for remote legislating, we promised to get to work quickly and diligently—and that’s exactly what we did today. I thank all of my Reps. Lilly, Ramirez and Stuart for getting these critical pieces of legislation across the finish line. This is just the beginning of our work to deliver for Illinois residents and I look forward to collaborating with our counterparts in the Senate,” said Speaker Chris Welch (D-Westchester) in a statement. 

HB158 (Lilly), dubbed the “Health Care and Human Service Reform Act” by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, would implement several reforms aimed at addressing medical disparities. Notably it implements a hospital closure moratorium until Dec. 31, 2023. Multiple Black legislators have recently advocated for measures that would prevent the closure of Mercy Hospital in Chicago, which has entered bankruptcy but serves many in poverty in the city’s south side.  

The bill also creates an anti-racism commission that will create policy recommendations related to racial equity, requires implicit bias training for medical professionals, and allows Medicaid reimbursement for doulas working with pregnant and post-partum women. Republicans opposed the bill, raising questions over the costs of its provisions. It ultimately passed 72 to 41. 

In a similar move, the House also approved SB168 (Ellman), which was passed in order to allow the sale and re-opening of Westlake Hospital, a safety net hospital in Melrose Park that was purchase by private equity firm Pipeline Health in 2019 before being promptly closed. The site was later re-opened as an overflow site for COVID-19 patients. 

“As we all look to rebuild from a pandemic that hit historically underserved communities hardest, it’s fitting that we take this step to expedite the sale and reopening of Westlake Hospital. The past year has underscored the need for equitable health care access for all – so reopening Westlake and reinvesting in health care for underserved Black and Brown communities is an essential step toward emerging from these difficult times stronger,” Welch said in a statement.

HB2877 (Ramirez) was also passed, which would temporarily halt foreclosures for both renters and small landlords in the state. Notably, it also codifies programs set up by the federal government to help renters and homeowners during the pandemic, especially those who face an eviction notice. It would also implement several other renter protections, such as stopping tenant screenings from accessing sealed eviction court records. Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Chicago) previously introduced a version of this bill during the previous lame duck session as 101-HB5574. 

The House also passed HB1871 (Stuart), would make permanent expansion of vote-by-mail, curbside voting, and drop box voting that were made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This bill also passed along party lines, with Republicans expressing concerns about the security of ballot drop boxes and where additional boxes may be placed. 

These measures now head to the Illinois Senate for consideration. 

The House also passed a resolution condemning the actions of Rep. Chris Miller (R-Robinson) for attending and participating in the Jan. 6 rally in Washington D.C. that preceded the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol Building. Miller defended himself on the floor, saying he had no part in the day’s violence. HR132 (Morgan) was adopted along party lines 57 to 36, with five members of the House Ethics Committee voting present. 

Allison F. Richard

Legislative Consultant

A new Republican policy platform unveiled Wednesday argues that common sense, bipartisan reforms demonstrating fiscal and ethical responsibility will help restore Illinoisians’ trust in state government. 

House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Burr Ridge), Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Litchfield), and Rep. Mike Murphy (R-Springfield) provided an overview of the new “Reimagine Illinois” platform at a Statehouse press conference Wednesday. 

Durkin said that Illinois voters demonstrated in the Nov. 2020 election that they do not trust the Illinois government as run by the Democratic Party.  

“The platform which we’re discussing today emulates what our caucus stands for and what most Illinoisans across the state want from their government. That platform includes ending the culture of corruption, responsible fiscal leadership, growing jobs and opportunities for families, and ensuring public safety. … House Republicans want Illinois to know that there is an alternative,” Durkin said. 

Durkin said this platform was developed by a group of House Republicans headed by Murphy who looked at the top priorities of the party and the state’s needs. Murphy said bills have been introduced in the past that relate to this platform but said they have not yet been part of a comprehensive plan. 

Bourne said 81 bills have been filed that fall under the umbrella of the platform and touch upon areas such as education, including legislation that prioritizes $350 million in additional funding for the K-12 system. Another bill including in the platform is HB1962 (Keicher), which would create tax credits for job apprenticeships and create an apprenticeship office within the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity. 

Regarding pension system reform, Durkin said Democrats will need to work with Republicans if they hope for meaningful change, and said he opposes a proposed plan that would leverage a graduated tax in order to fund the state’s pension system. 

“It’s going to have to be reformed within the system, so I’m prepared to either put votes on a constitutional amendment or a consideration model. Doing nothing is a disaster, and that’s just unacceptable,” he said. 

Durkin also said there is some bipartisan consensus on necessary ethics reform, including barring former legislators from the lobbying industry. 

“People, they don't like the legislature, I think we're probably one of the most despised group of individuals in the state of Illinois. They just don't like us, they never do, but the fact is: Why don't we do something to reaffirm that we believe that we have to police ourselves, and that we can do it with simple things,” he said. 

Murphy emphasized that he has and will continue to cosponsor Democratic bills that mirror bills he’s introduced in the past, just to have them languish in committee. For example, he said he was approached by Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza to co-sponsor HB178 (Stuart), which would limit the amount a General Assembly member is paid of their if they resign partway through a month.

Durkin said the platform also includes continued review of the bail and pre-trial detention changes made in 101-HB3653 (Slaughter), which he said is a “mistake” that “throws public safety on its head.” 

Allison F. Richard

Legislative Consultant

Gov. J.B. Pritzker Monday signed into law a major criminal justice reform bill backed by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus that, among other provisions, will end the use of cash bail for non-violent offenses in the state by 2023.

“All of Illinois will live in a safer and more just state with this law on the books. … In short, this legislation marks a substantial step toward dismantling the systemic racism that plagues our communities, our state, and our nation, and brings us closer to true safety, true fairness, and true justice. My administration infuses these values into all that we do,” Pritzker said at a public bill signing at Chicago State University Monday.

In addition to ending cash bail, 101-HB3653 would also create a statewide certification system for law enforcement officers, require all law enforcement officers to wear body cameras by 2025, and expand use-of-force guidelines and training for law enforcement. Other provisions aim to provide more transparency and accountability in policing, including enhancing protections for whistleblowers and banning the use of chokeholds by law enforcement.

Under the bill, courts are also incentivized to use alternate sentencing instead of relying on mandatory minimums.

Sen. Kimberly Lightford (D-Chicago), chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, said that the protest movements that sprung up in 2020 in response to the killing of George Floyd and other Black Americans led the caucus to mobilize work on this and other legislation.

“The tragedies of this last year could have just beaten us down left us hopeless and defeated. But we did not let it, we leveraged it to create real change; to create a better future for our children and our grandchildren. This moment is a hopeful moment. I am so proud and grateful to be a part of it,” Lightford said.

Following the bill’s signing, House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Westchester) praised the move in a statement.

“For too long, systemic racism has plagued our criminal justice system. In fact, it has been used to perpetuate a system of injustice. Today, I am proud to say that our state is taking steps to end that. I applaud Governor Pritzker for swiftly signing this bill into law; and I especially applaud my colleagues in the General Assembly who have been working towards this for years. Being Black or Brown in America is not a crime. Being poor in America is not crime. Today our laws will reflect that a bit more. But there's certainly more to do,” Welch said.

Opponents of the legislation include multiple states’ attorneys and law enforcement organizations who say the bill make communities less safe and place “unfunded mandates” on local law enforcement agencies and courts. Police leaders have also said the bill may create challenges in officer recruitment and retention.

House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Burr Ridge) Monday said the governor has “turned his back” on law enforcement by signing the bill. 

“The Governor’s support of House Bill 3653 is an insult to our first responders, law enforcement and the law-abiding citizens of Illinois who work to live free of violence and destruction from the criminal element. It’s clear that Governor Pritzker does not understand this bill and what it means to our criminal justice system. Illinois and its citizens will not be safer because of this bill,” Durkin said in a statement.

Allison Richard
Legislative Consultant

Please find below three recently introduced Bills. 

HB3167 STATEWDE PTSD MENTL HLTH COORD (Rita, R) Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Creates under the authority of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board the Statewide PTSD Mental Health Coordinator, appointed by the Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, for a term of 4 years. Provides that the Statewide PTSD Mental Health Coordinator shall receive a salary as provided by law and is eligible for re-appointment. Provides that the Statewide PTSD Mental Health Coordinator shall be responsible for implementing a program of mental health support and education for law enforcement officers. Establishes qualifications for the Coordinator. Provides that the Statewide PTSD Mental Health Coordinator shall report to the Board on the development and implementation of programs and training for law enforcement officers and shall advise the Board and receive advice from the Board on direction and training needs for law enforcement agencies that vary in size, location, and demographics. Bill Version: As Introduced in the House ILCS Section(s) Affected: 50 ILCS 705/3.1 new;  HB2635   CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS-FIREARMS (Reick, S) Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Defines "retired law enforcement officer qualified under federal law" for purposes of the Act to permit the carrying of a concealed weapon. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012, the Unified Code of Corrections, and the County Jail Act. Permits currently employed and qualified retired State correctional officers and county correctional officers to carry their own firearms off-duty without being in violation of the unlawful use of weapons and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon statutes if they meet certain training requirements. Provides that currently employed and qualified retired State correctional officers and county correctional officers shall carry a photographic identification and a valid annual firearm certificate while carrying their own firearms off-duty. Limited to correctional officers who have custody and control over inmates in an adult correctional facility. Effective immediately. Bill Version: As Introduced in the House ILCS Section(s) Affected: 50 ILCS 705/2;

HB2831

OFFICER BODY CAM-IMPLEMENT (Caulkins, D) Amends the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act and the Law Enforcement Camera Grant Act, if and only if House Bill 3653 of the 101st General Assembly becomes law. Provides that notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board shall administer grants under the Law Enforcement Camera Grant Act in accordance with rules adopted by the Board that prioritize law enforcement agencies in municipalities and counties under 50,000 that comply with the Illinois Police Training Act. Provides that the Board may adopt rules that prioritize the financial need of these agencies when determining eligibility for these grants under the Law Enforcement Camera Grant Act. Effective immediately. Bill Version: As Introduced in the House ILCS Section(s) Affected: 50 ILCS 707/11 new;

Allison Richard

Legislative Consultant

Former Speaker of the House Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) Thursday announced his resignation from the chamber, according to a statement. 

Madigan will leave the chamber at the end of February after 50 years of representing parts of Chicago, including serving all but two years since 1983 as the Speaker of the House. In January, Rep. Chris Welch (D-Westchester) was elected House Speaker after Madigan failed to reach the necessary 60 votes to continue his tenure.

“My achievements would not have been possible without the hard work and commitment of many members of my staff through the years. I thank them for their efforts on behalf of the House Democratic Caucus and the people of Illinois. I also want to thank the many volunteers and supporters who worked on behalf of the residents of the 22nd District. It is with the collective support of many that we have made Illinois a bastion of Democratic values,” Madigan said in a statement.

“I leave office at peace with my decision and proud of the many contributions I’ve made to the state of Illinois, and I do so knowing I’ve made a difference.”  

Madigan remains chairman of the Illinois Democratic Party. 

“As of last month, Michael Madigan has dedicated 50 years of service to the Illinois House of Representatives. I thank the former Speaker for his sincere and meaningful contributions to our state. Under him, we’ve had strong, sustained Democratic leadership in Springfield. We legalized same-sex marriage, abolished the death penalty and solidified abortion rights. Illinois also became the first state in the Midwest to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour. These laws gave underserved populations a new sense of hope,” Welch said in a statement. 

Now we must build on that with a new generation of leadership focused on racial and gender equity in all dimensions, improving government transparency, and leading with the kind of conviction, compassion and cooperation expected by our constituents. I truly appreciate his contributions and I join Illinoisans across the state in wishing him well.”

Allison Richard

Legislative Consultant

Gov. J.B. Pritzker delivered his State of the State and FY22 budget address today, saying that the budget reflects necessary “hard choices” that must be made to address the COVID-19 pandemic and the state’s financial challenges.

In a pre-recorded message filmed at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, Pritzker took aim at Republicans and those in the “far right” who have argued against safety restrictions and pandemic assistance for citizens.

“Throughout the pandemic, they have encouraged businesses to defy health guidelines, spread conspiracy theories about COVID deaths, and fought mask guidelines tooth and nail. Amidst the tragedy of this pandemic, they have lobbied against the federal government providing relief to Illinoisans, ignoring the life-changing economic pain of real working families. In essence, they eliminated the fire department, burnt down the house, and poured gas on the flames. Now they’re asking why we’re not doing more to prevent fires. In a normal year, I might have more patience for their hypocrisy. But this is not a normal year,” Pritzker said.

The governor’s $41.6 billion proposed budget does not include explicit tax increases for Illinois residents and includes additional funding in areas like education and at the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), which has seen an increased workload during the COVID-19 pandemic. He called on the General Assembly to pass a standalone bill that would direct $60 million directly to IDES to support call center positions and administer federal unemployment programs.

Pritzker is also proposing a $28 million increase in MAP grants to assist low-income Illinois students seeking higher education opportunities.

The budget also includes $1.8 billion less general funds spending than in FY21, including a state hiring freeze. Pritzker touted efficiencies in the state government and optimizing the state’s workforce as a significant source of budgetary savings. 

Pritzker proposes raising over $900 million by “closing corporate tax loopholes” to help address the state’s budget deficit. These include capping corporate net operating loss tax deductions, accelerating the expiration of tax exemptions for biodiesel, and eliminating the add-on income tax credit for construction job payroll.

The governor also proposed extending repayment of borrowed funds and relying on federal COVID-19 aid to reduce the state deficit.

Republican leaders accused the governor of reneging on deals he struck with them in 2019 during budget negotiations. They said that the state’s financial challenges existed long before the COVID-19 pandemic and that Pritzker has not taken the steps to rein-in spending.

“It has led the governor to identify a billion dollars in tax increases on businesses and call them ‘loopholes,’ even though these are the same incentive programs that he himself signed into law, and that both Republicans and Democrats in the legislature correctly identified as meaningful tools to make Illinois a more competitive place for new business development, new job creation, and widespread construction and new investment projects,” said Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon).

Republicans also said that the governor is over-relying on borrowed funds to deal with the state’s budget problems.

Senate Democrats were generally pleased with the budget and Pritzker’s address, saying it is a good starting point and makes the best of a challenging situation.

“I think this is a good faith effort by the governor to both recognize our financial realities and honor our commitments and priorities. Coming out of this pandemic we need to get people back to work. Our first priority with any tax incentive needs to be jobs for hard-working Illinoisans. I think it’s a fair question to ask what are the hard-working taxpayers of Illinois getting in return for corporate tax breaks,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park).

“Today's address was the first step in a process that involves all of us coming to the table and working line-by-line to build a budget that reflects our priorities: our COVID-19 response, improving operations for the Illinois Department of Employment Security, funding veterans homes, and providing resources for schools and job training efforts. To do this, we need to close corporate tax loopholes that have made it easy for them to avoid paying their fair share,” said House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Westchester) in a statement.

Outside of the budget, Pritzker urged the General Assembly to pass “real, lasting” ethics reform legislation.

Allison Richard
Legislative Consultant

COVID-19 vaccines will soon be available to individuals in Illinois who have significant chronic health conditions that put them at greater risk should they become infected, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Wednesday. 

Beginning Feb. 25, individuals who have cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD, diabetes, heart conditions, pulmonary disease, or sickle cell disease will become eligible. Individuals who are pregnant, obese, or who have received a solid organ transplant and are immunocompromised are also eligible. 

The change comes as the administration of President Joe Biden has announced an increase in vaccine supply by 30 percent, including a 5 percent increase this week. Additionally, the Johnson and Johnson-developed vaccine is scheduled for FDA review on Feb. 26, which may lead to many more available doses. 

“As quickly as we receive enough vaccine supply, we need to waste no time in protecting a broader section of our most vulnerable population,” Pritzker said in a statement. “Those who are under 65 and live with comorbidities, such as cancer survivors or those living with heart disease, have an elevated risk of serious complications or death if they contract COVID-19. Illinois is moving forward in accordance with guidance from the CDC to expand our eligible population as supply allows, getting us closer to the point when the vaccine is widely available to all who want it.”

The list of applicable co-morbidities is subject to change as CDC guidance changes. 

Allison F. Richard

Legislative Consultant