* Gov. Pritzker vetoed an initiative by Treasurer Michael Frerichs today, citing the danger of SB246 being used to “benefit fringe and extremist groups”…
Today, I veto Senate Bill 246 of the 104th General Assembly. The bill is designed to allow the State Treasurer to create a non-profit investment pool and an electronic payment processing program to benefit 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(5) organizations. Non-profit organizations would be able to deposit funds with the Treasurer and potentially benefit from the Treasurer’s higher investment returns.
The Treasurer’s work to support Illinoisans by addressing the financial needs of Illinois non profits has always been commendable, and my administration highly values the critical work many non-profit organizations are doing throughout the State. This legislation is well intended to support the financial needs of Illinois non-profits, and it led community banks and credit unions to recognize there was a gap in services they have been offering. Because of the hard work of the Treasurer and advocates, these private financial institutions have created financial products to meet those needs. My administration is eager to assist in that effort.
Though SB 246 is well-intended and might benefit non-profits whose missions advance interests the state desires to promote, it would unfortunately also allow Illinois’ financial investments to be used to benefit fringe and extremist groups. I cannot sign a bill that unintentionally allows extremist groups to advance their hateful missions by exploiting state services and resources.
This is not an exercise in hypotheticals - hate groups are growing. Some of their members have been elevated by the Trump White House to positions of power and are no longer on the fringes of American society. They are currently attempting to reshape the legal and ethical boundaries of our country from within the federal government. In Illinois we must remain vigilant. While the federal tax rules were designed to prevent hate groups from qualifying for non-profit status, recent changes in policies, rules, and decision-making at the federal level suggest the trend is to accept extreme views and organizations that promote violence and racial discrimination.
On January 6, 2021, the United States Capitol, the Vice President of the United States, and Members of Congress were attacked by a mob attempting to stop the Congressional certification of the electoral votes of the 2020 presidential election. Among those persons found guilty of criminal acts related to the attack were members of the group known as the Oath Keepers.
On January 20, 2025, several members of the Oath Keepers, who were convicted of offenses related to the January 6, 2021 attack received Presidential pardons of their crimes. Subsequently, I directed our state’s hiring agency to consider any participation in the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol to be “infamous and disgraceful conduct” for purposes of the Personnel Code and to recognize such participation as antithetical to the mission of the State to prevent the hiring of these individuals. It was and remains important to ensure that Illinois government does not allow the hate and danger that entered the Capitol that day to infiltrate our state’s government and the services we provide.
To support its activities, the Oath Keepers formed the Oath Keepers Educational Foundation, a 50l(c)(3) charitable organization. That organization’s tax-exempt status has since been revoked by the Internal Revenue Service. However, an associated group, the Indiana Oath Keepers, is currently registered as a 50l(c)(3) charitable organization and is in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service. If Senate Bill 246 were signed into law, the possibility remains that the Indiana Oath Keepers could pa1ticipate in this state’s non-profit investment pool, as the bill does not require that a participating non-profit be located in Illinois in order to participate in the program. Oath Keepers is just one of a number of extremist organizations that could become investors in the state’s non-profit investment pool, and our state should not represent or promote the interests of these type of hate groups.
Some have suggested this issue can be resolved through rulemaking, but that would necessitate the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) reviewing administratively proposed rules and voting on whether the standards that have been proposed appropriately limit the charitable organizations that may participate in the Treasurer’s investment pool. A government program that includes standards based on an organization’s views, activities, founders, or members to exclude non-profits with extreme positions could give rise to legal challenges.
I recognize that many non-profits with beneficial missions are facing real financial hardships, perhaps now more than ever. As noted above, my administration has encouraged community banks to offer various unique financial resources to non-profits. Community banking solutions can help give non-profits greater flexibility, such as interest-free revolving lines of credit. I look forward to continuing to foster relationships between non-profits and community banks, and my team stands ready to suppo1t non-profits.
Pursuant to Section 9(b) of A1ticle IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return Senate Bill 246, entitled “AN ACT concerning State government,” with the foregoing objections, vetoed in its entirety.
Frerichs himself testified in favor of the bill.
* From Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs…
I am disappointed the governor vetoed this bill. Like the governor, I decry the rise of extremist and hate groups and the efforts of the Trump administration to mainstream hate. I strongly disagree with the governor’s misguided belief that hate groups would use a state investment pool. The bill specifically requires that to be eligible, a nonprofit must provide a copy of their audited financial statements. No hate group would ever agree to that. Sunshine remains the best disinfectant for fighting hate.
Trump is decimating funding for nonprofits throughout Illinois. Make no mistake: Local food pantries, youth and community centers, homeless shelters and other non-profit groups will be hurt. The Nonprofit Investment Pool Act would allow the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office to help those groups combine resources and earn greater investment returns to make up some of Trump’s unconscionable cuts. Every dollar we make through smart investing is another dollar non-profit organizations can invest in our local communities at a time when many non-profits and communities are struggling for resources. They also could generate interest income toward major expenses or purchases for their organizations, including repairs and upgrades to facilities, buying new equipment, or hiring workers.
More than 150 nonprofits, including the Jewish United Fund, the Illinois AFL-CIO, the NAACP/Westside Division, the Illinois CPA Society, the Illinois Environmental Council, and the Sierra Club, sent letters in support of this legislation. We will be discussing potential next steps with our legislative sponsors.
Frerichs also included copies of his letter to the governor urging passage, as well as supportive letters from the Illinois AFL-CIO and the Woodstock Institute.
…Adding… Personal PAC…
“Personal PAC supports Governor Pritzker’s veto of SB 246, a bill that could have opened the door for dangerous, anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centers to gain new funding streams and manipulate more people. These fake clinics mislead, shame, and delay people from accessing abortion care—putting patients’ health and lives at risk. Illinois cannot and will not give resources or policy advantages to organizations whose mission is to block and mislead Illinoians from accessing health care. While the aim of the bill is admirable, the unintended consequences are dangerous. We applaud the Governor for always standing with patients and their ability to make informed decisions about their bodies.”
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* The Governor signed a plethora of bills this afternoon, including the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association’s Senate bill 328. From the governor’s press release…
Bill Number: SB0328
Description: Expands jurisdiction for claims alleging injury or illness resulting from exposure to toxic substances. Under this bill, a foreign corporation consents to general jurisdiction in this state in the limited circumstances involving actions (1) alleging injury or illness resulting from exposure to a substance defined as “toxic” under the Uniform Hazardous Substances Act of Illinois (430 ILCS 35), and (2) where jurisdiction is proper under section 2-209(a) of the Code of Civil Procedure (735 ILCS 5/2-209(a)) as to one or more named co-defendants. By its express terms, SB 328 does not allow the exercise of general jurisdiction over a foreign corporation in actions that are not covered by the Uniform Hazardous Substances Act of Illinois, as set forth in section 13 of that Act (430 ILCS 35/13).
Action: Signed
Effective: Immediately
* From the Tribune earlier this month…
A proposed law on the governor’s desk would expand the reach of personal injury lawyers, allowing them to file suit against any business operating in Illinois that exposes individuals to toxic substances — even if the company and the plaintiffs are based in another state.
Trial lawyers say the measure would offer fairness and convenience, primarily for Illinois residents who are injured in other states. Traditionally those plaintiffs have had to file suit in the state where they were hurt or where the company is headquartered. […]
Under the measure, any company that registers to do business in Illinois could be brought into court to face allegations of harm from toxic substances. Cases of this type routinely involve multiple defendants, and under the measure only one of them needs to be from Illinois.
An Illinois resident who is injured in multiple states, such as someone who was exposed to asbestos while working at his employer’s plants around the country, would be able to sue in his home state, rather than having to file in multiple jurisdictions, said Tim Cavanagh, president of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association.
* The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association called on the governor to veto the bill. Crain’s…
Several trade groups are urging Gov. JB Pritzker to veto the bill. They include the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, Illinois Restaurant Association and the Chicagoland and Illinois chambers of commerce. […]
“If this bill is enacted, it’s going to create a black eye for Illinois when we’re pursuing economic development opportunities,” says Mark Denzler, CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. ”Illinois does not need another burden to overcome in attracting business.”
* Mark Denzler, CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, told this to Rich today…
I’m an outspoken advocate for Illinois, and have been very supportive of the governor and the General Assembly and a lot of things they’ve done.
This is a huge step backward. Illinois is now going to be only the second state in the nation with this. And this is getting national attention in an unwanted way from the business community. And again, we take a couple steps forward, and then this is an unforced error where we’re taking steps backward. And the business community across the United States has paid attention to it.
In our opinion they should let the courts in Pennsylvania work through this to see if it is unconstitutional. But why create a black eye for Illinois when we’ve made so many positive steps?
* The Illinois Trial Lawyers Association…
The Illinois Trial Lawyers Association thanks Gov. JB Pritzker for acting to protect those who live and work in our state from toxic substances by signing Senate Bill 328 into law. We applaud the governor for rejecting the Trumpian propaganda campaign of lies and fear-mongering mounted by the opponents to this urgently needed measure.
The sole intent of this new law is to provide the possibility of a more complete justice for grievous harms done to people by corporations that failed to protect their employees or customers from exposure to toxic substances. It will allow individuals who have suffered due to the actions of a company doing business in Illinois to hold accountable all businesses that contributed to their injury or illness, not just those that are legally or physically headquartered here.
For those who are sick or dying, who cannot navigate the process of retaining legal counsel and filing suits in multiple states, nor endure the rigors of extensive and expensive travel for court proceedings, this change is a godsend and will ease the already considerable burdens they bear.
We also thank the members of the General Assembly who voted to send SB 328 to the governor. They, too, are to be commended for recognizing that, while those at the nation’s capitol strip away health, workplace and environmental protections, Illinois chooses a different path and will not tolerate people being exploited and hurt by big-money special interests.
The truth is that Illinois is a very good state for business. It always has been and will continue to be now that SB 328 has become law. We have a highly skilled workforce, robust transportation networks and a wide range of economic sectors, including agriculture, arts, education, health care, logistics, manufacturing and professional services. We are an example for the nation that proves it’s not necessary to embrace race-to-the-bottom policies that trample workers’ rights and eliminate consumer protections to thrive.
Gov. Pritzker’s signature on SB 328 has added additional teeth to our laws that will deter big businesses from behaving badly by putting profits before people and unfairly forcing Illinois taxpayers to clean up the messes irresponsible corporations leave behind.
* Senate Republican Leader John Curran…
“I am deeply disappointed that Gov. Pritzker ignored our calls to join the Governor of New York in vetoing this special interest legislation that will further deter businesses from investing in Illinois. Under Gov. Pritzker, Illinois is a bottom five state in the nation for economic growth and job creation because of bad business policies like SB 328. Gov. Pritzker and his legislative allies continue to protect special interest insiders at the expense of working families across Illinois.”
* Press release…
Statement from Leading Business Groups on Gov. Pritzker Signing Sweeping Legal Overreach Legislation SB 328
Illinois’ business community issued the following statement following Gov. JB Pritzker signing SB 328.
“We are disappointed that Gov. JB Pritzker did not take this opportunity to protect the citizens, business community and economy of Illinois by vetoing SB 328. By failing to reject this disastrous proposal, businesses and taxpayers will now be vulnerable to predatory lawsuits that will clog up our legal system and stymie our economic growth.
This measure, brought forth by trial lawyers in the final hours of the legislative session, creates a significant and concerning expansion of liability for out-of-state businesses operating in Illinois. Under this law, any company simply registered to do business in Illinois is subject to lawsuits, even when the underlying claims and parties have no connection to the state. Rather than moving to Illinois and creating new jobs and economic investment, many businesses will avoid our state entirely, undermining the momentum our state has worked so hard to create.
We urge Governor Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly to refocus their efforts on economic growth and expansion, which benefits all workers, families and communities.”
* House Minority Leader Tony McCombie…
“At a time when Illinois should be focused on growth and opportunity, Democrats have once again chosen to reward trial lawyers at the expense of job creators. Our state already ranks at the top in all the wrong categories, and with Governor Pritzker signing SB 328, he’s turning up the heat on an already hostile business climate.”
…Adding… Jennifer Walling at the Illinois Environmental Council…
“We thank Governor Pritzker for signing SB328 to close a dangerous loophole that allowed out-of-state polluters to harm Illinois communities without accountability,” said Jennifer Walling, Executive Director of the Illinois Environmental Council. “This law ensures polluters—not Illinois residents—pay for the damage they cause.”
Illinois has long been recognized as a leader in environmental protection and public health. However, a significant loophole in our laws has allowed some of the worst polluters to evade accountability, simply because they are headquartered out of state. With the signing of Senate Bill 328 (SB328), Governor Pritzker has taken a commendable step toward closing this dangerous gap.
This new law addresses a critical issue: when out-of-state corporations use hazardous substances in their Illinois operations, they can sometimes escape responsibility in Illinois courts. This has left our communities, suffering from toxic pollution and long-term illnesses, without full recourse under our own laws.
One glaring example of this issue is the PFAS contamination, a group of highly problematic chemicals used in manufacturing. These so-called “forever chemicals” have been detected in drinking water systems throughout Illinois, linked to severe health issues, including cancer and thyroid disease. Disturbingly, many corporations responsible for this pollution operate far beyond our state borders, often evading legal accountability for the harm they cause to Illinois residents and our water.
The enactment of SB328 ensures that foreign corporations conducting business in Illinois will be held to the same legal standards as Illinois-based companies when they cause harm through hazardous substances. This means that polluters, whether they are based in Chicago, St. Louis, or even Shanghai, will be held accountable for the damage they inflict on our communities.
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Catching up with the congressionals (Updated)
Friday, Aug 15, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller
* Evanston Now…
Democratic congressional primary candidate Kat Abughazaleh appeared Thursday afternoon at a rally of Evanston residents opposed to a planned Popeyes restaurant. […]
The 26-year-old content creator said she was “so moved” by the protest, adding, “our leaders often ignore what we’re fighting for.” […]
Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss is also among the candidates in the crowded Democratic primary seeking to succeed Jan Schakowsky in representing the 9th Congressional District. […]
[The protestors] been calling on Biss to — in the words of the mural painted this week on the center’s wall — “Say no to Popeyes.”
[From Rich: So, the idea here is that a congressional candidate is helping force a South Asian-owned Popeyes franchisee to sell his building to a White woman under the guise of “helping small businesses” and “under represented communities” and “healthy choices”? Did I get that right?]
* Evanston Now political reporter Matthew Eadie…
* More from the press release…
On Friday, August 15th, Bushra Amiwala will host Democratic lawmakers from Texas at the Muslim Community Center in Morton Grove, Illinois. The prayer event, open to the public, will run from 1:00 to 2:30pm.
Texas State Representatives Salman Bhojani, Suleman Lalani and many others who wish not to be disclosed at this time will attend. They have walked out of the Texas legislature to prevent the GOP from redrawing the state’s U.S. House maps. The proposal the Democrats aim to prevent would flagrantly gerrymander the state in favor of Republicans, disenfranchising thousands of voters.
Bushra Amiwala, a candidate running to represent Illinois’ 9th Congressional District, is proud to welcome the lawmakers into her community.
“Gerrymandering is far too common in Republican districts. Democrats have sued against gerrymandering, won those suits, and had those rulings ignored by Republicans in power,” said Amiwala, the first Gen Z elected official in the country. “Congressional maps should reflect the populations and demographics of the United States. If they don’t, then we need a new vision of what democracy looks like in this country.”
* Meanwhile…Evanston Round Table…
With the candidate petition circulation period set to begin on Tuesday, Evanston resident and former Niles Township High School District 219 board member Jill Manrique filed paperwork on Monday morning to launch a March 2026 Democratic Primary bid for Illinois’ 9th Congressional District seat.
Manrique now joins more than a dozen other candidates vying to succeed longtime U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, who has held the position since 1999 and announced her impending retirement in May. […]
Unlike many other candidates, Manrique has not registered a website or made any official statement announcing her campaign yet, but she said she has plans for a “more robust launch in the future.”
“I do have folks around me that are here to help and not only collect signatures, but spread the word amongst our community,” she said. “So right now we are going to focus on circulating petitions, continuing to build our base and gain strength.”
* US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi in the Sun-Times…
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi on Monday unveiled a detailed “Trump accountability plan” for his U.S. Senate campaign, vowing he would push to restrict ICE agents from wearing masks, block “radical” judges nominated by President Donald Trump, and introduce constitutional amendments to block self-pardons and a potential presidential third term.
Krishnamoorthi’s 17-point plan also includes a push for legislation that would make executive orders targeting individuals or specific entities invalid — and another bill that would give anyone targeted by the Department of Justice for denaturalization the right to a jury trial and the right to counsel. […]
“My plan outlines how, as Illinois’ next U.S. Senator, I’ll use every tool in my toolbox to limit the damage he can do to this country and its citizens — while making sure a Trump-like White House, one without deference for the rule of law, due process, and civil rights — never happens again,” Krishnamoorthi said in a statement to the Sun-Times. […]
Krishnamoorthi’s package includes a direct response to Texas Republicans and their current Trump-backed redistricting plan. The plan includes legislation to end mid-decade redistricting and require states to use independent commissions or three-judge panels for redistricting and another bill to ban federal agents from arresting state legislators for not attending legislative sessions or leaving their state. Krishnamoorthi also wants legislation passed that would deny federal election grants and funding to states that trigger mid-cycle redistricting for partisan purposes.
* Illinois’ GOP congressional delegation skipped Republican Day at the State Fair yesterday. Mitchell Armentrout at the Sun-Times…
[U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood] and his two fellow Republican members of the Illinois congressional delegation, Reps. Mary Miller and Mike Bost, weren’t at their party’s State Fair rally. None of them faces major challengers in their deep-red downstate districts.
…Adding… US Senator Bernie Sanders is stopping in Chicago for a rally with Congresswoman Delia Ramirez and 2nd CD candidate state Sen. Robert Peters…
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