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Illinois State Politics

Illinois’ ‘swipe fee’ law on the brink after another delay, adverse court ruling

By Jerry Nowicki
Jun 02, 2026 6:14 pm - An Illinois law banning “swipe fees” on taxes and tips — already delayed twice by lawmakers — appears to be on life support after a federal judge that once permitted it issued a permanent injunction against the measure this week.
Rideshare drivers could unionize in Illinois under bill passed by General Assembly

By JENNA SCHWEIKERT
Jun 02, 2026 11:37 am - The General Assembly passed a bill early Monday that would give rideshare drivers the right to form a union. Drivers for companies like Uber and Lyft could elect union representatives and perform union activities, like collective bargaining. Drivers say a union is necessary because of low wages, and limited opportunities to appeal deactivations, or to have a say in setting rules.
Schools to get funding increase, but less than some had urged

By Peter Hancock
Jun 01, 2026 2:26 pm - Illinois lawmakers passed a budget Monday morning that includes a full $350 million increase in Evidence-Based Funding for public schools, money earmarked specifically for the neediest school districts in the state.
‘Clearly a fumble’: Arlington Heights mayor calls out state lawmakers over lack of Bears deal

By Charles Keeshan and Christopher Placek
Jun 01, 2026 11:43 am - Hours after state lawmakers failed to act on legislation to bring a new Chicago Bears stadium to Arlington Heights, Mayor Jim Tinaglia said Monday village officials are “truly disappointed” and will continue to seek opportunities to redevelop the former Arlington Park site.
Session ends with $56 billion state budget, new taxes on social media companies, crypto, fantasy sports

By Ben Szalinski
Jun 01, 2026 9:56 am - Illinois lawmakers approved the state budget early Monday morning after slogging through the night, enacting new taxes on businesses and authorizing less spending than what Gov. JB Pritzker proposed in February.
What’s next for Bears stadium talks after General Assembly punts on deals?

By Christopher Placek
Jun 01, 2026 7:31 am - Just before the sun rose over the Capitol dome Monday morning, legislators heaved a Hail Mary pass to the end zone to try to keep the Bears in Illinois. It fell incomplete. Now negotiations to prevent the NFL franchise from bolting across state lines are headed to overtime this summer.
Details of $55.9B state budget take shape with just hours left in session

By Ben Szalinski and Jerry Nowicki
May 31, 2026 3:26 pm - The Illinois Senate filed a more than 3,500-page spending plan late Saturday night but how it will be paid for has not been made public. The plan filed as an amendment to...
POWER Act data center regulation won’t move forward this spring

By Nikoel Hytrek
May 31, 2026 7:36 am - Conversations about the POWER Act, a multifaceted data center regulation bill, are not over yet, but the bill won’t ready in time for the General Assembly’s Sunday deadline.
Bears megaproject bill sacked, but lawmakers draw up new play to keep team in state

By Christopher Placek
May 31, 2026 6:59 am - The Bears’ property tax break legislation for an Arlington Heights stadium failed to gain enough votes in Springfield, but lawmakers worked Sunday to craft an alternative proposal to keep the NFL team from moving to Indiana.
Legislators race against the clock as Bears stadium deal stalls

By Christopher Placek
May 30, 2026 9:15 pm - The Chicago Bears’ plan for a new stadium in Arlington Heights faces an uncertain future as the Illinois General Assembly’s spring session nears its Sunday night deadline at midnight.

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