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Isabel’s morning briefing
Monday, Jun 1, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller * ICYMI: Illinois Democrats pass $56B state budget that includes new taxes on prediction markets, crypto. Sun-Times…
- Budget leaders aren’t yet counting on revenue from all the controversial new levies, which are near certain to face legal challenges — but they are banking on some $200 million from a tax on social media companies similar to the one facing a court challenge in Chicago. - But a coalition of progressive Democrats said the plan didn’t do enough “to fully fund quality education, accessible healthcare and reliable public services for every Illinoisan.” * Related stories… * At 11 am, Governor Pritzker will host a press conference following the passage of the FY27 budget. Click here to watch * The Bears…
* Capitol News Illinois’ Ben Szalinski…
* Tribune | Illinois legislature adjourns for the summer without resolution to Chicago Bears stadium issue: The failure to take up the bill, which several House lawmakers said was due to a lack of time to study the proposal, raises questions about the fate of the Bears, who have an offer from the state of Indiana to construct a taxpayer-financed stadium and surrounding mixed-use entertainment district in Hammond, near Wolf Lake, 20 miles southeast of Chicago. * Capitol News Illinois | Hail Mary effort to keep Bears in Illinois centers around local stadium authority: It is not immediately clear if the parameters of the new proposal would be acceptable to the Bears, who did not immediately return a request for comment over the weekend. Though Cunningham said the team has been briefed on the late play in Springfield. The deal would be closer to the structure of Indiana’s, which calls for more than $1 billion in public subsidies to build a publicly owned stadium. The Bears would keep all revenue generated by the building and have the option to buy it for $1 once bonds are paid off. * Daily Herald | Bears megaproject bill sacked, but lawmakers draw up new play to keep team in state: Like competing legislation approved in Indiana — and the existing setup wherein the Bears play at the Chicago Park District-owned Soldier Field financed by the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority — the proposal could enable a new tax-exempt public stadium, as opposed to a private one where the NFL club would be subject to property taxes. * Sun-Times | Bears blocked in Illinois: House spikes late-session play for new stadium bill that cleared Senate: After his late push for the legislation, Gov. JB Pritzker’s office issued a statement saying he “has always wanted the Bears to remain in Illinois and been open to a sensible deal, so the Governor’s Office needs to carefully review this new bill that was recently made public overnight.” * CNI | Bears bombshell: City back in mix; team has met ‘repeatedly’ with Chicago over ‘several months’: Cunningham, a top negotiator on legislation aimed at giving the Chicago Bears tax certainty so they could move to suburban Arlington Heights, acknowledged the proposal “does not have the support to pass” the Illinois Senate. Chicago-based lawmakers want to “put the city on an equal plane” to “compete” for a stadium project. “I would say that the PILOT megaproject structure is one we’re having difficulty with and we’re trying to figure out if there’s another way to make sure the Bears build a stadium in Illinois without using that model,” Cunningham said. * ABC Chicago | Senate files compromise bill to incentivize Bears to stay in Illinois as lawmakers race against time: “I think if people can see that a plan like this is narrowly tailored, but also, as Senator Cunningham said, gives the ability for the city of Chicago to have a part to play in this as well, then, there could be some support, right?” said lead Bears negotiator and Illinois state Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago. The stadium idea drew mixed reaction from Chicago lawmakers, whose support will be needed to pass it. Some have been concerned about finding a way to help the average taxpayer while helping the Bears. “This seems to solve for that issue, in that individuals don’t have to feel as though, again, an entity is getting a tax break, and they are not,” said Illinois state Rep. Curtis Tarver II, D-Chicago. * ABC Chicago | Rideshare union, cell phone ban during school day bills passed by Illinois lawmakers: Legislation known as the Rideshare Drivers’ Union Bill passed both the Illinois House and Senate overnight. It gives drivers the right to collectively bargain for better pay and higher standards on the job. The measure now heads to Governor JB Pritzker’s desk for signature into state law. * Crain’s | Drug discount bills pass after clash between hospitals, Big Pharma: Hospitals and drugmakers each claimed a piece of victory yesterday as Illinois lawmakers approved legislation preserving access to a lucrative federal drug discount program while launching a state audit of how providers use the savings. The legislation now awaits action by Gov. JB Pritzker. One bill would prohibit drugmakers from limiting hospitals’ participation in the federal 340B discount program, while a companion measure would require a state audit of how providers use the revenue generated by those discounts. * CNI | Lawmakers pass bill to shield abortion information from digital medical records: The bills had strong support from abortion advocates who provide care for Illinoisans and nearly a quarter of the 142,000 people who have had to leave their home states for abortion services, according to data from the Guttmacher Institute, a nonprofit organization that researches abortion policy. The first measure, House Bill 5295, is an initiative from the governor’s office and would create the Reproductive Health Privacy Act. It would require the separation of information about abortion services or diagnoses of gender dysphoria from a patient’s digital medical records if a patient chooses. * Tribune | Illinois lawmakers pass statewide school cellphone ban, handing win to Gov. JB Pritzker: After falling short last year, Illinois lawmakers gave final approval Sunday to a measure that would prohibit students from using cellphones throughout the day at most public and charter schools. The measure, approved in the state House in April, next heads to the desk of Gov. JB Pritzker, who made the issue a top priority during the past two spring legislative sessions. The state Senate last year approved a less restrictive version without opposition, but it was never taken up in the House. * Center Square | Illinois to require bell-to-bell student phone ban in public schools: “[The amendment] moves the implementation date from 2026-2027 school year to 2027-2028 school year,” Castro said. The senator also said the bill now allows school districts the option of partially excluding high school students from the ban, at least during lunch and passing periods, among other specifics. * Capitol News Illinois | Property tax debt sale reform will allow homeowners to keep more of their equity: House Bill 4537 makes various changes to the regulations for selling property tax debt. The key change is if a homeowner fails to pay their debt in an initial redemption period, and their property is seized and sold, they will receive any surplus funds left over from the auction. That change will bring Illinois — the last state to do so — into compliance with the 2023 Supreme Court decision Tyler v. Hennepin County. Previously passed by the Senate, the bill will now head to the governor. * WCIA | POWER Act stalls as Illinois General Assembly wraps up spring session: Knowing the votes weren’t there, hundreds of environmental advocates still traveled to the Illinois Capitol on Saturday to make one thing clear: The fight over data center regulation will continue. Their rally came as lawmakers made it official that neither the Senate or House bill supporting the Protecting Our Energy, Water and Ratepayers (POWER) Act would make it to a floor vote, ending its chance at becoming law in the spring session. * WAND | Downtown Springfield revitalization plan passed out of the Senate: This plan aims to create the Capital Area Tourism Authority in hopes of building a new state-of-the-art hotel connected to the Bank of Springfield Center. The measure also calls for an expansion of the city’s medical district to lift healthcare, education and research. “Springfield is the home of state government. It’s where Lincoln grew up,” said Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield). “It’s a city full of history, and this is where we’ve actually put politics aside and come together to give Downtown Springfield the attention it deserves.” * Sun-Times | Illinois lawmakers pass bill to help homeowners catch up with property taxes before losing their homes: After three years of noncompliance with a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Illinois lawmakers have passed a measure that would fundamentally change how counties and taxing bodies in the state can recoup delinquent property taxes. For years, Illinois counties have sold property tax debt to investors who can ultimately seize the properties if their owners fail to redeem the delinquent property taxes. The nation’s highest court ruled it was unconstitutional to withhold the surplus equity from property owners who lose their properties in the process. Illinois is the only state affected by the ruling that has not yet reformed its property tax debt system. * Press release | Illinois to have an official state bee under Ellman measure: House Bill 4438 would designate the black and gold bumblebee – and known as bombus auricomus – as the official state bee. The species is known for its large size, bright yellow color and role as a prominent pollinator throughout Illinois’ grasslands, prairies and open fields. The initiative originated with eighth grade students at Lincoln Junior High School in in central Illinois, who researched pollinators and worked with the Illinois State Board of Education to organize a statewide student vote on which bee should represent Illinois. After thousands of students participated, the black and gold bumblebee was selected.
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- Mastershake - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 8:32 am:
Was the ebike bill not called? Looking at the senate bill I don’t see any action on it, and no news stories. This is a huge disappointment since it was a pretty good law (that could have been fixed later) and was badly needed.
- Steve - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 8:33 am:
“to fully fund quality education”. I wonder what the magic number is?
- Brave New World - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 8:40 am:
Kalshi increased the Bears to 47% Indiana over the weekend. Meaning you can still more than double your bet.
- Tim - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 9:08 am:
Steve,
Whatever the teachers unions say it is
- Demoralized - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 9:17 am:
So the Speaker says they will still be working on the Bears bill but there will not be a special session, which means the soonest action will take place is in veto session in the fall. The Bears have made clear they will be announcing a decision soon. So:
1. The Speaker thinks the Bears are bluffing and will wait and see what the state does.
OR
2. The Speaker doesn’t care if the Bears leave the state.
I never supported giving the Bears a tax break. I don’t like being blackmailed by a multi-billion dollar corporation who says if they don’t get their way they will take their ball and go home. Fine. Let them.
- Candy Dogood - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 9:22 am:
Upnext: The Bears announce they’ve hired a Canadian lobbyist.
- Rahm's Parking Meter - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 9:27 am:
Not going to lie, walking around the Loop this morning - the conversation is NOT favorable to the legislature for not voting on both sides.
I heard it a lot on my walk from Ogilvie. People are mad.
- Padraig - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 9:40 am:
Masterstroke, the e-bike legislation did pass but under a different bill number due to procedural issues. Ride Illinois had a post on FB this morning.
- Just Another Anon - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 9:42 am:
Any updates on the Election omnibus?
- Think Again - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 9:54 am:
=House Bill 4438..designate the black and gold bumblebee – and known as bombus auricomus.. passed=
At least they got the important stuff done/S
- Steve - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 9:59 am:
-Whatever the teachers unions say it is-
Douglass High School in Chicago doesn’t spend enough money per pupil.
- low level - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 10:02 am:
The bill regarding the property tax sales should have passed unanimously in both houses. Instead, the “Freedom Caucus” and Chief Chapin Rose all voted no. I guess these “patriots” are in favor of people losing their homes if they cant pay property taxes.
- ZC - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 10:15 am:
The basic idea of taxing prediction markets seems solid. These industries seem toxic at present, imposing significant externalities on society (gambling addiction, increased poverty, corruption, etc). Devil in the details of course, how effective such taxation can be at the state level. I predict this idea is also going to have legs and you’ll see more Dems taking it up at the national level in the future.
- Candy Dogood - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 10:36 am:
One thing is really clear this morning: The Speaker and the Senate President need to schedule more days in session and need to get serious about doing the work and moving bills along earlier in the session.
I understand the tradition of late night sessions. I understand staying up all night before and finishing the paper the morning that it is due.
This year they didn’t get the job done.
This is also a terrible way to treat staff and a completely unnecessary strain on the staff and everyone else involved. The Legislature is an Institution. It is a bureaucracy unto itself.
It isn’t a high school sophomore producing a history paper that isn’t worth reading and only impacts two people on the planet at the last minute.
This habit of pushing everything to the last minute might be a fine tradition, but when you fail to get the job done your habit looks a bit like a problem and 12 million people are impacted by these shenanigans because a handful of Chicagoans don’t want to be inconvenienced by having to be at work in Springfield, in session, and readily available to the public during the legislative process.
Quit hitting yourselves.
- New Day - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 10:51 am:
So just to review. The House passed a bill that neither the Bears nor the Senate found acceptable. The Senate couldn’t pass a megaprojects bill but came out with a very elegant solution that puts Chicago on equal footing. Chicago didn’t like it because it ultimately would require Chicago to pass additional taxes and they want the state to pay for anything. So the House punted and we are counting on the Bears bluffing on Hammond or the environmental remediation being prohibitive. What am I missing?
- DuPage Saint - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 10:58 am:
I find it odd that Tony Preckwinkle seems to be silent on the Bears. Arguably she is the most powerfull politician in Cook. I get it that Chicago senators and reps want Bears in Chicago but shouldn’t she at least want to keep them in Cook County?
- Think Again - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 11:27 am:
A few positives about the ILGA adjourning without resolving many matters: 2A folks will be happy that the Glock ban and the RIFL Act were not passed - and property rights folks will be happy (for now) that the Build Act proposals also stalled. Enjoy the summer
- West Side the Best Side - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 11:45 am:
They used to just stop the clock and keep working in Springfield. Guess old habits are hard to break, but agree with Candy Dogood, it has to get more efficient.
- Oxfordian - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 11:58 am:
=This is also a terrible way to treat staff and a completely unnecessary strain on the staff and everyone else involved.=
Everyone should be talking about this, and if you’re not, you’re doing something wrong. Treating staff in this way and expecting people’s families to accept this as business as usual is unacceptable. Do better.
- Old IL Dude - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 11:59 am:
Makes me wonder how serious the Bears are for moving to Indiana. Indiana’s offer is pretty much way hard to beat, so my question is why are the Bears not just jumping on the chance?
- Joseph M - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 12:02 pm:
Re:ThinkAgain
The BUILD act would expand property rights. What kind of “property rights folks” are you referring to?
- Brave New World - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 12:07 pm:
=why are the Bears not just jumping on the chance?=
Um, they’re the Chicago Bears. Caterpillar, Citadel, Boeing, Tyson, Jimmy Johns, and all the others’ names all sound just fine in other states.
- RNUG - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 12:29 pm:
== I understand the tradition of late night sessions. I understand staying up all night before and finishing the paper the morning that it is due. ==
FWIW … it was good for some of the local restaurants. Early to mid evening on Thursday the cack room at the Old Lux was full of Legislatures and lots of their license plates in the parking lot. And about the same time on Friday there were a group in Bernie & Betty’s.
- Pundent - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 12:42 pm:
=Indiana’s offer is pretty much way hard to beat, so my question is why are the Bears not just jumping on the chance?=
The Bears want to monetize their brand by building a stadium and year round entertainment district. They see the economic benefits associated with doing that in the Northwestern suburbs. It’s what compelled them to buy the land in Arlington Heights to begin with.
Hammond on the other hand has been an economically depressed area for decades and will likely remain so with or without the Bears. It served its purpose of providing the appearance of an alternative to Arlington Heights but that’s about it.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 12:58 pm:
=== The Speaker and the Senate President need to schedule more days in session ===
“Every system is perfectly designed to get the results that it does.” - Deming’s Law
Rich’s “Always bet on Nothing.” is in some ways a corollary to Deming’s Law.
The reason things tend not to change is because they are a creation of the existing environment. If there were concensus around Arlington Heights then this would be cake. If the Bears’ ask had some precedence then it would be a short walk.
Keep in mind that we are really only having a conversation about moving the Bears from Chicago to Arlington Heights because that region is now Democratic. if those were still GOP lawmakers and a Democratic General Assembly, the Bears ask wouod be DOA. The environment has changed, maybe just not enough.
If bureaucracies did not need deadlines to drive decision-making, and legislatures could work on stuff in December, January, February then we would not need adjournament dates and deadlines.
I know, “politics” right? Politics, Deming would say, is the reality. Politics is why there is an offer on the table from Indiana. Politics is the only reason a $9 billion monopoly has the hubris to ask for a $2 billion tax break.
=why are the Bears not just jumping on the chance?=
Deming’s Law. Again, if Hammond was a great location for a sports franchise, why was the United Center built on the Westside?
- fs - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 1:00 pm:
== What kind of “property rights folks” are you referring to?==
The kind of folks who think “property rights” means they have a right to control other people’s property.
- Some Guy - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 1:33 pm:
=Indiana’s offer is pretty much way hard to beat, so my question is why are the Bears not just jumping on the chance?=
Aside from what others have said, the McCaskeys live north of the city, not by Indiana. They’d rather the team be closer to their homes, not further.
- Leslie K - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 1:34 pm:
Candy @10:36–While I do take your points, don’t forget that urgency is also a negotiating strategy. It doesn’t always work, but sometimes “down to the wire” gets it done. (Yes, I do realize this session might not be the best example of that strategy.)
Also, as former staff, I’m not sure how a very long weekend with very long days “is a terrible way to treat staff.” We weren’t working around the clock on a regular basis, and I’m not aware of that having changed.
- Just a Random Guy - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 1:39 pm:
=2A folks will be happy that the Glock ban and the RIFL Act were not passed=
ALL folks should be happy when our Constitutional rights are not trampled on.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 1:41 pm:
===If bureaucracies did not need deadlines to drive decision-making, and legislatures could work on stuff in December, January, February then we would not need adjournament dates and deadlines.===
Meh.
For a very long time, we had end of session parties. Maybe some folks would leave the party at 5 in the morning, but not the Statehouse.
This habit they’ve gotten into is just ridiculous. Adults should be able to do things better than this.
It’s designed by leaders to grind people down to the maximum extent and that’s cruel to staff and to members who have no real control over the schedule.
It needs to stop.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 1:43 pm:
===walking around the Loop this morning===
Come back when you have something scientific.
- Candy Dogood - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 1:49 pm:
===This habit they’ve gotten into is just ridiculous. Adults should be able to do things better than this. ===
Agreed.
===don’t forget that urgency is also a negotiating strategy===
If it takes urgency to build enough consensus to pass a bill then it sounds like the legislature isn’t producing a good product.
This isn’t sales.
- JS Mill - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 1:53 pm:
=ALL folks should be happy when our Constitutional rights are not trampled on.=
Fever dreams are fun.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 1:56 pm:
===don’t forget that urgency is also a negotiating strategy===
What Candy said. If the bill is that horrible, then maybe don’t try to pass it.
- @misterjayem - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 2:19 pm:
“urgency”
A bad idea on the first day of the session is still a bad idea at midnight on the last day.
– MrJM
- staff - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 2:23 pm:
It isn’t just one weekend - some staff have to be there no mayter which chamber is in and for every committee being held- so that means no allowed time off most of May- this year it meant most of spring through May due to schedules. Maybe we should pass Contitutional amendment to go to 2 year budget and budget has to be approved before any other laws can pass.
- Good Government - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 2:56 pm:
The General Assembly needs to record audio and video of all committee meetings and floor debate, posted online for free public access. Nearly every single state in the country provides this basic level of transparency; often utilizing Youtube.
Blueroom stream does not count; the public should not have to pay $175 a month to watch their elected officials conduct the people’s work.
NCLS use to have a webpage with links for each state but cannot seem to find it. Four examples.
New York - https://www.youtube.com/@NYSenate/videos
California - https://www.senate.ca.gov/media-archive
Minnesota - https://www.youtube.com/user/MNHouseInfo
Wyoming - https://www.youtube.com/wyominglegislature
- Mastershake - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 3:09 pm:
Padraig, thank you, that’s great news. SB3484 is the ebike bill, glad to see IL with one of the most sensible laws on this in the nation.
- Leslie K - Monday, Jun 1, 26 @ 3:18 pm:
==This isn’t sales==
True, and good point.