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House committee moves PILOT bill to floor
Thursday, Feb 26, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller * The House Revenue Committee just voted on partisan lines to move the so-called mega projects bill out of committee. The legislation (HB910) contains no language specific to the proposed Arlington Heights Bears stadium and entertainment complex. It’s only the Payment in Lieu of Taxes stuff that the Bears also want but that has been pushed by Gov. Pritzker for years. That concept has faced resistance in the House in the past. Nobody from the team testified today, likely on purpose. They want to try to at least publicly keep this separate from a coming bill that would be specific to the AH stadium. We’ll have more in a bit. …Adding… Crain’s…
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Interchange Fee Prohibition Act Complicates Everyday Purchases
Thursday, Feb 26, 2026 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] Illinois consumers deserve simple, secure, and convenient payments — but the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act threatens to make everyday purchases more complicated and costly. According to The Points Guy, today’s card system works because interchange fees help “safeguard the purchase, fight fraud, cover the cost of lending, and fund rewards programs.” But the new law would prohibit interchange on taxes and tips — forcing businesses to overhaul how transactions are processed. The result? Confusion and inconvenience at checkout. The article warns that a single purchase could become a multi-step process, with consumers potentially asked to split payments between cards, cash, or even checks just to cover taxes or gratuities. Even worse, history shows consumers rarely benefit from policies like this. After federal debit reforms, only 1.2% of merchants lowered prices — meaning savings didn’t reach shoppers. Instead of helping families, the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act risks weakening payment security, reducing rewards, and adding friction to a system that works today. Consumers deserve reliable, seamless payments — not uncertainty at the register. Protect convenience. Protect security. Protect consumers. Read more from the Points Guy. Paid for by Illinois Credit Union League
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It’s just a bill
Thursday, Feb 26, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller * Tribune…
* This one is interesting, House Bill HB2996 from Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid…
Rich checked in with the sponsor to see if any cell towers are actually exempt from property taxes. From Rep. Rashid…
* WIFR…
* More…
* WAND | IL House committee approves bill improving special ed transition plan: A bill moving in Springfield could ensure the state has as efficient process to tell special education students about the federal work incentives planning and assistance program. Sponsors and advocates say it’s important for students and families to know what their future work life can be. Experts told the House Education Policy Committee Wednesday that there is often misinformation about how the wages people with disabilities earn could impact their social security income. * Press release | Joyce looking to expand hunting industry in Illinois: Senate Bill 2756 would increase the max capacity of centerfire rifles from one to three rounds. This would put Illinois on par with all other states, as Illinois is the only state that institutes a single-shot limit on centerfire rifle capacity. Joyce led previous legislation that formally legalized the use of single shot centerfire rifles for deer hunting season. Since its introduction, centerfire rifle use among youth hunters has jumped to just over 50 percent. * WAND | Home for Good: IL bill could expand housing, support services for people returning from prison: The legislation also calls for reentry housing development to minimize the possibility of landlord discrimination. It would create a Home for Good Institute to provide training and technical assistance to community-based organizations helping with reentry housing as well. Sponsors and advocates told reporters in Springfield Wednesday that the program would cost $50 million. The Illinois Justice Project found that every $1 invested in funding Home for Good will result in $5 in public savings and economic activity over the next three years. Advocates project a cost benefit of $477 million within the first few years of implementation. * ABC Chicago | As Pritzker proposes school cell phone ban, some Illinois schools already have limits in place: “The biggest frustration from teachers in the past couple years has been the cell phone,” Hinsdale Central High School Assistant Principal Ryan Maita said. […] While Hinsdale’s policy carves out time for cell phone use, Gov. Pritzker’s state-wide proposal bans them for the entire school day. Though, there are exceptions, most notably during lunchtime and when approved by a doctor that a student needs the phone to manage their health. “We had parents who were nervous about an all-out ban because they want to get in contact with their students. They feel there might be times they need to speak with their child,” Burritt said. * Post-Tribune | Amendment guts gratuity bill inspired by former Portage Mayor: An Indiana state bill addressing gratuities that was drafted in response to the bribery case against former Portage Mayor James Snyder was amended and approved in the Senate to remove all language pertaining to gratuities. The bill’s author — State Rep. Hal Slager, R-Schererville — said he will work in the final days of session to undo the amendment.
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Big Tax-Exempt Hospitals Are Turning Patient Discounts Into Corporate Profits
Thursday, Feb 26, 2026 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] Across Illinois, large hospital systems and corporate PBMs are profiting from a program meant to help patients. The 340B program allows hospitals to buy medications at steep discounts, but those savings aren’t passed on to patients in need. Instead, large hospitals charge patients full price for 340B-discounted drugs, keep the difference, and share the cash with for-profit chain pharmacies and PBMs.
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Statewide candidate coverage roundup
Thursday, Feb 26, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller * Politico Pro…
* Speaking of that race, click here for a statewide poll conducted by respected Democratic pollster Tulchin Research taken February 14-19 of 600 likely Democratic primary voters. Yes, it’s several days old, but it shows Krishnamoorthi leading Stratton and Kelly respectively 39-23-8. It’s redacted because the survey was actually commissioned by someone not affiliated with that race. * Press release…
Rate ‘em. * Darren Bailey’s comments here were apparently clipped from a 2022 Wirepoints Gubernatorial Pension Discussion. From Ted Dabrowski: “An endorsement of sorts”…
* Ted’s running mate…
* Sheriff Mendrick asks for money to put this video on TV… Mendrick has reported raising just $14,000 for his gubernatorial campaign since the beginning of the calendar year. * Bailey pledges to halt infrastructure spending at the Obama presidential library, which will likely be all or mostly spent even if he does win… * The Illinois Auditor General is a constitutional officer. While the position is not elected by voters, an appointment requires three-fifths super-majorities in both chambers, so we’ll put this Tribune story here…
The only legislator in either chamber to vote against Meister was House Deputy Minority Leader Norine Hammond. * From Isabel… * Tribune | As primary looms, Illinois Republican governor candidates say they oppose abortion-is-murder bill: But the four say the package of bills introduced by downstate Republican state Sen. Neil Anderson goes too far, as it would classify a fertilized egg as a “person” and criminalize the disposal of eggs used in in vitro fertilization with no exceptions for rape, incest or the health of the woman. Anderson’s legislation, which has no co-sponsors, also would allow family members to sue over the death of an unborn child, leaving open the ability of a sexual assault perpetrator to sue his victim if she has an abortion. Overall, Anderson’s proposals have virtually no chance of passage in the Democratic-controlled General Assembly. * Capitol News Illinois | Republican candidates for governor — minus Bailey — try to distance themselves: “That’s what I would call, in a way, pay-to-play politics, which is you benefit from doing deals with Democrats, with Republicans,” Dabrowski said. Heidner further bashed Dabrowski, telling the former Wirepoints researcher “you sit in front of a computer and hit Google, OK? Click, click, click.” Dabrowski also faced heat about the conservative purity of contributions to his campaign. He has received contributions from several people who have also donated to Democrats in recent years. He defended the individuals as “Chicago executives or Chicago reformers,” rather than Democrats. * Sun-Times | Four Democrats battle in March primary to succeed Susana Mendoza as Illinois comptroller: Kim, 45, from Mundelein, said the state needs a “weathered sea captain at the wheel” — a description she says she fits. She steered the state’s third largest county through the pandemic as treasurer, which in Lake County operates similarly to comptroller. Kim’s own financial hardship as a single mother in college, and a victim of identity theft, has shaped her into “a fierce protector of people and their money,” she said. But the three legislators said Illinois requires a comptroller who has a background in state government and understands the complexities of massive budgets during a crucial moment of financial unpredictability. The Trump administration has frozen or cut billions of dollars in federal funding to Illinois for various services over the last year. * Daily Herald | Candidates discuss issues in legislature for Senate Dist. 33: The candidates for the Republican nomination for Illinois Senate District 33 met recently with representatives of the Daily Herald Editorial Board and a news reporter to discuss issues in the campaign. Jessica Breugelmans and Danielle Penman discussed issues ranging from the state budget and tax policy to the Bears stadium proposal and election security. * Press release | Uniejewski Campaign Launches Second Digital Ad: Democratic State Senate candidate Nick Uniejewski announced the launch of his second digital advertisement in the 6th District race. The new ad underscores his recent endorsement from the Chicago Tribune and draws a clear contrast with his opponent as voters cast ballots ahead of the March 17 election. In endorsing Uniejewski over incumbent Sara Feigenholtz, the Tribune praised his “clear chops on housing” and said his “energy and desire to bring change within his own party are much needed.” * Sun-Times | Senate race to replace Dick Durbin heats up with 10 Democrats on the ballot: In debates, Krishnamoorthi, Kelly and Stratton have shown voters some of their key policy differences. They include differing opinions on future nominations made by President Donald Trump, the minimum wage, age limits for members of Congress and how to handle the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportation campaign. Stratton supports a $25 an hour minimum wage plan, while Krishnamoorthi and Kelly support a $17 an hour plan, which they said would have a more realistic chance of passing in the Senate. When it comes to a retirement age for members of Congress, Krishnamoorthi said he supports a limit, while Kelly and Stratton reject the idea. * Press release | National Nurses United endorses Juliana Stratton for US Senate: “Juliana Stratton has spent her career fighting for working families and standing up for the dignity and safety of our communities. As nurses, we know that real leadership means listening, showing up, and delivering results – and that’s exactly what Juliana has done for Illinois,” said Mary Turner, RN and President of National Nurses United. “She understands that healthcare is a human right and has been a champion for policies that protect patients, strengthen public health, and support frontline workers. National Nurses United is proud to endorse Juliana Stratton for Senate because we know she will be a bold, unwavering advocate for nurses and the people we care for every single day.” * Press release | Raja Krishnamoorthi’s Downstate Coalition Expands as Alexander County Democrats Endorse Raja for U.S. Senate: In Illinois’ southernmost county, Democrats are making their choice clear. Today, the Alexander County Democratic Party announced their endorsement of Raja Krishnamoorthi for U.S. Senate, adding powerful new momentum to the fastest-growing downstate coalition in the U.S. Senate democratic primary. “In Alexander County, we need an experienced leader who will fight for our values and uplift our communities. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi is that leader, and I am proud to endorse his campaign for the U.S. Senate” said Alexander County Democratic Party Chairman Phillip Matthews. “During Raja’s childhood, his family relied on food stamps and public housing. His personal experience and proven record on issues like cracking down on rising costs and protecting our seniors show that Raja will be a champion for working families across Illinois. I look forward to working with him here in Alexander County when he joins the U.S. Senate!”
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Drug Costs Are Rising: 340B Legislation Helps Lower Costs, Strengthen Communities
Thursday, Feb 26, 2026 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] Nearly 40% of Illinois residents get their health coverage through Medicaid and Medicare. Yet, government providers do not cover the full cost of care. For Medicare, Illinois hospitals are reimbursed 88 cents on the dollar, while it’s 66 cents per dollar for Medicaid. All Illinois hospitals provide the same high-quality, lifesaving care to their patients, regardless of whether their insurance covers the cost. Just as everyday Americans are pinched by higher prices, from housing to groceries, hospitals too are confronting real financial challenges. Between 2022 and 2025, hospitals in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio experienced:
• 16% increase in non-labor expenses • 19% increase in supply costs • 22% increase in drug costs • 31% increase in purchased services Meanwhile, drugmakers plan to raise the U.S. prices of at least 350 branded medications this year, about 100 more than in 2025. They only plan to lower the prices of nine drugs. Last spring, the Senate unanimously passed House Bill 2371 to protect the over 30-year-old federal 340B drug discount program. HB 2371 does not ask drugmakers to do anything new, but to do their part in lowering drug costs for hospitals and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) that serve many low-income patients. HB 2371 would simply restore the 340B program in Illinois, as intended in federal law. Stand with hospitals, FQHCs and their patients: Pass HB 2371. Learn more.
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Isabel’s morning briefing
Thursday, Feb 26, 2026 - Posted by Isabel Miller * ICYMI: Illinois lawmakers file bill to keep Chicago Bears in state as Indiana lawmakers advance their bill to lure team to Hammond. WGN…
- In Illinois, a tweaked bill would allow a 20-year property tax assessment freeze for mega-projects like a new stadium, with the team making what lawmakers are calling a “special payment” to the local government. - Meanwhile, in Indianapolis, Indiana lawmakers are expected to send Senate Bill 27 to their governor on Thursday, setting up the financial framework and clearing the way to fund a stadium in Hammond. * Related stories… Sponsored by PhRMA: 340B hospitals charge big medicine markups. Illinois pays the price. 340B medicine markups are big business for hospitals. Under the federal 340B program, nonprofit hospitals can buy medicines for pennies, then charge huge markups – even on life-saving medicines. Big hospital systems pocket the program profits – passing the bill to Illinois patients, employers and taxpayers who are hit with higher medicine costs. The program’s lack of oversight has led to 340B becoming a profit engine for hospitals, PBMs, private equity firms and big chain pharmacies. It’s time for Congress to hold hospitals accountable and fix 340B. Read more. * NBC Chicago’s Mary Ann Ahern…
The A-1 is here. * Tribune | More than a week of celebration and funeral services for Rev. Jesse Jackson begins Thursday in Chicago: Thursday is the beginning of a three-city, nine-day memorial tour, of sorts, that will also end in Chicago. After he lies in repose Thursday and Friday at the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, Jackson, who died earlier this month at age 84, will lie in state on Monday at the South Carolina state capitol in Columbia. He was born about 100 miles away, in Greenville, S.C., in 1941. * NPR | ICE won’t be at polling places this year, a Trump DHS official promises: “Any suggestion that ICE is going to be present at polling places is simply disinformation,” said Heather Honey, DHS assistant secretary for election integrity, according to a participant on the call who spoke to NPR on the condition of anonymity. “There will be no ICE presence at polling locations.” […] “We’re going to have ICE surround the polls come November,” said former Trump adviser Steve Bannon on his podcast earlier this month. “We’re not going to sit here and allow you to steal the country again.” Shortly after, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked about those comments and she responded that she “can’t guarantee” that an ICE agent wouldn’t be around a polling location in November. * Tribune | As primary looms, Illinois Republican governor candidates say they oppose abortion-is-murder bill: Darren Bailey, Ted Dabrowski, Rick Heidner and James Mendrick have all positioned themselves as pro-life and criticized Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker’s efforts to make Illinois a haven for women seeking abortions after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, leaving the legality of the procedure up to individual states. But the four say the package of bills introduced by downstate Republican state Sen. Neil Anderson goes too far, as it would classify a fertilized egg as a “person” and criminalize the disposal of eggs used in in vitro fertilization with no exceptions for rape, incest or the health of the woman. * Crain’s | Johnson and City Council trade blame as Chicago’s credit is downgraded: The downgrade reflects mounting concern about the city’s reliance on borrowing and one-time revenue — and serves as a “wake-up call,” said one municipal finance expert, that political infighting is compounding Chicago’s long-standing structural deficit. Despite the warning, Johnson and the City Council coalition that passed a budget over his objections sought to shift the blame to the other, a clear sign the 2027 budget process will be just as combustible as last year. * Sun-Times | Mayor Johnson defends choice to lead city’s Animal Care and Control, despite conditions at city-run shelter: Cappello described the pressure the high-volume municipal shelter is under as “real and constant.” Dogs and cats arrive every day, “often in crisis.” No animal gets turned away. “Our doors are open to everything that comes in. We do take sick animals on a regular basis. Sometimes, sick animals stay here too long and can get sick. We don’t have the option of closing our door and saying, ‘We’re not going to take those today,’“ Cappello said. “We do our best. … But with that sheer number of animals, you’re going to have illness. It’s going to happen. Our medical staff is on top of that. They look at it as much as they can.” * Tribune | A little-known program allows CTA and Metra to suspend riders. Most of them are Black.: And of the 40 riders suspended from the CTA, 90% were Black and 10% were Hispanic, according to the agency’s own data. Only 27% of the CTA’s riders are Black, according to data from the CTA’s oversight body, the Regional Transportation Authority. Metra issued 134 suspensions for incidents in 2024 and 2025. Roughly two-thirds of Metra’s suspensions involved Black riders, though only 13% of Metra riders are Black. Most suspended riders were facing criminal charges, according to agency data. * Sun-Times | Jury awards $5.7 million to family targeted in botched police raid on Chicago’s South Side in 2018: SWAT officers stormed Ebony Tate’s home without knocking, aimed guns at the children and forced their grandmother outside in her underwear. “I’m just praying that this will put a stop to the wrongful raids,” Tate said after the verdict. * Tribune | Obama Foundation readies for uncertainty of development near presidential center: With construction now nearly finished, Obama Foundation officials are touting the thousands they hired for the work by setting the names in stone at the site, marking them in a release as “essential partners in building a world-class institution rooted in community, opportunity, and shared prosperity.” The next phase of the center’s impact will be less concrete and more difficult to measure, though: whether it sticks to the foundation’s guiding principles of attracting private investment, strengthening the local economic climate and helping longtime working-class neighbors build wealth without pushing them out. * Daily Herald | ‘We’ve got a lot of questions’: Lisle seeks details on work at data center property: Last week, Lisle ordered that construction be halted at the Centersquare data center. However, town officials learned during a follow-up visit that work was continuing at the site along Western Avenue, prompting the village to seek a court order. “Anyone who is in the village has to comply with the rules that are in place, and if you’re not going to do that, we’re going to intervene,” Lisle Mayor Mary Jo Mullen said after the village filed court papers for a temporary restraining order to block the work. * Tribune | ‘Terrifying and tortuous’: Former Oswego High School students sue district for allegedly failing to stop sexual harassment by teacher: According to the lawsuit, Staffeldt worked at the district for 12 years until he resigned in 2020 after students and staff members came forward with reports of sexual harassment. However, in 2017, the suit said, the district issued Staffeldt a written warning directing him to “maintain professionalism” and prohibiting him from hugging and touching students. Casper said the district “took no meaningful action” to prevent abuse moving forward. He said that, to his knowledge, there’s been no criminal investigation into Staffeldt’s alleged actions. * Aurora Beacon News | Democratic primary for Kane County Board seat in District 11 features Juby, Forbes: * WCIA | Farmer, firefighter react after Sullivan extends water emergency: Public health and safety commissioner Chuck Woodworth oversees the water plant and said since the first announcement, the town’s water consumption did not decrease at all and aquifer levels remained nearly 16 feet below where they were before the drought started. “After we did the first one we noticed there’s not really been that much of a decline in what the consumers are using,” Woodworth said. * Illinois Times | Economic development efforts expand: It’s uncertain whether the 42-year-old Gregory’s rhetoric and emotion, and initiatives by the three-member Aldermanic Black Caucus he leads, are likely to move Abraham Lincoln’s hometown forward in reducing some of the nation’s biggest economic disparities between Blacks and whites. But Gregory said the caucus’ efforts are worth a shot, and there are signs that progress is happening, even if some egos are bruised along the way. * Illinois Times | Police chief fights to keep license: John Sharp, Ryan’s attorney, filed a motion to rescind the statutory summary suspension, a state law that automatically suspends anyone who tests over the legal limit, or refuses to test, for substance impairment while driving a motor vehicle. The law, which is a civil penalty rather than a criminal charge, automatically leads to a driver’s license suspension for a minimum of one year should the driver of a motor vehicle refuse chemical DUI testing. “The arresting officer failed to properly warn the defendant,” Sharp wrote in a Feb. 9 filing. “Secondly, the officer had no probable cause to stop or arrest in this cause. Thirdly, the defendant did not refuse and/or fail the breath test.” * WSIL | Carbondale Mayor Among Honorees at State Treasurer’s Black History Month Celebration: Harvey received the Outstanding Commitment as an Elected Official award, recognizing her leadership and dedication to the Carbondale community. As mayor, Harvey has focused on strengthening neighborhoods, supporting economic development, and fostering opportunities for residents and families throughout the city.
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Rate Gov. Pritzker’s new campaign TV ad
Thursday, Feb 26, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller * Press release…
* Ad… * Script…
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Good morning!
Thursday, Feb 26, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller
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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Addendum to today’s edition of Capitol Fax
Thursday, Feb 26, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller
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Protected: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Today’s edition of Capitol Fax (use all CAPS in password)
Thursday, Feb 26, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller
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Selected press releases (Live updates)
Thursday, Feb 26, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller
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Live coverage
Thursday, Feb 26, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller * Click here and/or here to follow breaking news on the website formally known as Twitter. Our Bluesky feed…
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