Illinois Future PAC released a new television ad, Sold Us Out, making Raja Krishnamoorthi’s ten-year record of selling out Illinoisans clear and responding to misleading attacks from his stalled U.S. Senate campaign.
The ad highlights Krishnamoorthi’s decade long record of accepting campaign donations from an ICE contractor while repeatedly voting to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement. During a period when immigrant communities in Chicago were facing aggressive raids and family separations under Donald Trump, Krishnamoorthi continued taking that money and even voted to honor ICE.
The new ad comes as Krishnamoorthi’s campaign escalates negative and misleading television attacks, a move that reflects his inability to defend his own record and failure to climb in the polls despite millions in spending.
Raja Krishnamoorthi is trying to distract voters with dishonest and desperate attacks while Juliana Stratton has a strong record of action in defending Illinois values. As Lieutenant Governor, Juliana has consistently stood with immigrant families, opposed Trump’s cruel immigration agenda, and worked with Gov. Pritzker to make Illinois a firewall of protections against federal overreach. She has been a clear, vocal advocate for humane immigration policies and a partner to community leaders fighting back against ICE abuses.
Today, one of the two dark-money super PACs backing Juliana Stratton – which earlier this year got caught violating “federal disclosure requirements” to mislead Illinois voters – released yet another misleading ad. The super PAC’s new spot aims to distract voters from Stratton’s hypocritical record of accepting corporate and MAGA money, relying on ICE contractor donations to boost her Senate bid, and getting caught breaking federal law.
“Raja Krishnamoorthi is an immigrant who has fought like hell to rein in ICE and hold Donald Trump and his roving gangs accountable. Stratton’s dark money super PAC – which has already gotten caught misleading Illinois voters – is trying to distract from the fact that she is backed by MAGA donors and ICE contractors who helped run the Broadview ICE facility. Illinoisans cannot trust Juliana Stratton or her super PAC friends,” said Raja for Illinois spokesperson Hannah Goss.
* Text from a prominent subscriber over the weekend…
New Indiana fiscal note dropped Friday night. An absolute cornucopia of new taxes.
Admissions tax established. New one percent food and beverage tax in Lake and Porter County. New Lake County 5% hotel tax. Creation of special taxing district in Hammond that captures sales, use tax, and income tax(!) paid within the district. Two new funds created for the collection of “all excise taxes.” Incremental sales and property tax growth in district is captured. Tollway pays for any related road improvements in a 7 county area. One provision reads: “at least 50% of the cost of the project to construct a professional spoon facility must be provided by private investment” — which kinda implies the taxpayers will be on the hook for 49%
I’m probably missing stuff.
Whew.
Click here to see what the subscriber missed, if anything.
After jolting Illinois leaders by praising Indiana’s stadium push, the Chicago Bears now say they are moving forward on legislation in Springfield.
“We continue to work with Illinois’ leadership and appreciate the progress being made,” Bears CEO Kevin Warren said today in a statement shared with Crain’s.
The shift in tone comes two days after the team hailed an Indiana House committee’s approval of a stadium finance authority in Hammond as the “most meaningful efforts in our stadium planning efforts to date” — a statement that drew a sharp rebuke from Gov. JB Pritzker, who said he was “surprised, dismayed and very disappointed” by that messaging.
Pritzker noted that the Bears’ enthusiastic assessment of Indiana’s efforts came just a day after his staff, legislators and team representatives met for three hours to discuss legislation the team is seeking in Illinois.
Wherever the Bears end up, city and state officials are laying the groundwork for a Bears-less future at Soldier Field. Fox 32 Chicago has learned that members of the Chicago Park District have been quietly pitching a plan for the 101-year-old stadium to state lawmakers and the governor’s office in recent weeks.
The plan involves transforming the stadium into a massive concert and special event venue, and it carries an expected price tag of $630 million, according to a draft of the presentation shared with Fox 32 Chicago.
Sources say the money breaks down to $130 million in direct stadium renovations, including a new sound system and new dressing rooms, and half a billion in surrounding infrastructure to tackle traffic management and parking.
Park District officials say a chunk of the cost could be covered by the Bears — who will owe nearly $90 million if they break their lease with the Park District before 2033. Park District officials are pitching state lawmakers on a funding package that would include money from the state’s road fund — paid for by motor fuel taxes — to help with the infrastructure upgrades.
As Indiana and Illinois lawmakers spar over where the Chicago Bears should build a new stadium, even Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker acknowledged Friday that the team’s next home is unlikely to rise within Chicago’s city limits.
“I think now there’s a common understanding by most of the (Illinois) General Assembly that they’re not going to be able to build in the city of Chicago,” Pritzker said.
Pritzker’s pronouncement came a day after Indiana lawmakers took another step toward potentially luring the Chicago Bears across the border to Hammond, as a key Indiana House committee approved a plan to create an agency that would build a new stadium for the team.
The vote more firmly pits Indiana versus Illinois as the Bears weigh a move from Soldier Field, their home for more than half a century. And given the lack of movement on any stadium projects near Soldier Field or elsewhere in Chicago, Pritzker’s latest comments suggest that Illinois’ only viable option is the land the Bears own in northwest suburban Arlington Heights.
The poll is here. They didn’t ask about the Bears stadium for some reason.
Also, the Indiana Capital Chronicle has a couple of good stories on this Bears topic, plus this tidbit…
Gov. Mike Braun gave several television interviews over the weekend on the topic saying the likelihood of the move is now “better than 50/50.” In another interview he said he hoped to “ink” the deal “within a month or two.”
I’m told the Bears committed to doing some due diligence on that project, but Indiana politicos love being anti-Illinois trolls. Notice that there’s no finality in this statement, and the Indy governor confirms that the team has only committed to due diligence on this site. Nothing further…
Indiana is open for business, and our pro-growth environment continues to attract major opportunities like this partnership with the Chicago Bears. We’ve identified a promising site near Wolf Lake in Hammond and established a broad framework for negotiating a final deal. If…
* This is also false. Rep. Tarver, I’m told by the House Democrats, is in town…
Traveled to Springfield to cover Bears stadium deal only for the meeting to be canceled. Haven’t been able to talk to Chairperson Curtis Tarver II; learned that he’s not even in Springfield. Not clear when the meeting got canceled. pic.twitter.com/LhuxbugtHd
* A decision was made last night to postpone today’s hearing because Rep. Canty’s House Bill 2789 isn’t the same as the legislation the governor has been negotiating. That’s it. They need an amendment. This statement is being disputed somewhat, but the bottom line is that the sportscasters are getting out over their skis…
Illinois was ready to move this bill forward.
After a productive three hour meeting yesterday, the Bears leaders requested the ILGA pause the hearing to make further tweaks to the bill.
This morning, we were surprised to see a statement lauding Indiana and ignoring Illinois. https://t.co/T9BEhDTtFq
…Adding… On background, the House Democrats back up the governor’s office claim that the Bears requested a hearing postponement. The leaders are now waiting to hear from Bears leadership this morning. Also, Tarver could be gone, but that happened after the hearing was canceled.
…Adding… Gov. Pritzker was asked about this during an unrelated Metro East event today…
Well, let me start with the fact that it was a surprise to us. The Bears, actually yesterday, we completed more than three hours, my team did of discussions with the Bears, very positive discussions. And indeed, mostly agreed on a bill that would move forward this morning.
But they asked us not to move forward with it this morning because they said they wanted to tweak a little, a couple of items in the bill, which were things that we were working with them on.
And so to have a statement put out by the Bears. Now they’re saying to us that that statement is not some confirmation that they’re moving to Indiana, but rather that Indiana had asked them to say that, you know, they’re going to move forward with the negotiations in Indiana.
But I have to say it’s very disappointing to hear that they would put that statement out but not say anything about the advancement that’s been made in the state of Illinois. But you know, we’re waiting to hear from the Bears what they’d like to do next.
It was more than tweaks. It’s a substantially different bill than what’s assigned to committee.
I just got off the phone with a Bears insider who asked to be quoted saying, “Governor Pritzker’s office is 100 percent bending over backwards to try and get a deal.”
* Pritzker also said that he wants a commitment for affordability…
We need to make sure that we’re building into this affordability for people, so that they can maybe afford to go to a game or afford to pay for things at the game. We want to make sure that that we’re protecting the consumers and taxpayers of the state.
* More…
We have made a lot of advancement in that conversation with them. So again, I’m surprised, dismayed, very disappointed at what I saw in a statement. Again, the Bears post that have said, well, we didn’t really mean that they’re moving to Indiana, which is kind of the implication of it, but it’s apparently not true. […]
[Bears CEO Kevin Warren] chose not to be in that meeting. And indeed, they had instead one of their other leads, who’s been in every conversation with us as well. She’s a terrific representative for them, and you know, we trust her. And we had eight people in that discussion, involving the legislators, involving the governor’s office, involving the Bears and their representatives, and so again, lots of progress, but a surprise this morning to wake up and see that statement. […]
We are waiting to hear from the Bears what they’d like to do next, because they essentially stopped things in their tracks until we hear more.
Unlock existing housing potential in communities across Illinois:
• Legalize a wider range of family friendly housing types (duplexes, triplexes, four-flats, etc.) statewide, expanding access to homes families can afford.
• Allow homeowners to boost their income and increase housing supply by allowing them to add Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs, like granny flats, backyard cottages, or above-garage apartments) to existing property.
• Let developers build more housing with fewer and more sensible parking space requirements.
Cut red tape to build housing faster and more economical:
• Streamline the permitting process to give developers clear, predictable timelines for housing permit reviews and inspections
• Allow developers to use a qualified third-party who follows all applicable local and state standards to sign off on permits when local delays occur – relieving pressure for local governments.
• Standardize impact fee practices, which increase predictability for developers while preserving local decision-making.
• Modernize outdated building codes to maintain resident safety, free up space for more housing, and drive down costs
$250 Million in capital investment and grants to spur development and support homeownership:
• $150 million administered by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA):
o $100 million: Capital funding to support middle housing construction.
o $50 million: Down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers.
• $100 million administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO): Capital grant funding for municipalities to remove upfront infrastructure barriers that hinder viable housing projects, for example, funding for stormwater improvements, sewer, and site access improvements.
On to yesterday’s react from major organizations.
* Abundant Housing Illinois…
Today, Governor JB Pritzker proposed new state housing legislation in his State of the State address, promising to lift outdated zoning rules that limit affordable home options. The proposed legislation would create clear and consistent statewide standards for building the homes needed to address Illinois’ current housing shortage and affordability crisis.
“Families across Illinois are struggling to find homes they can afford, and this statewide crisis demands a statewide solution,” said Ben Wolfenstein, Director of State Policy for YIMBY Illinois, a statewide organization advocating for more affordable and abundant homes. “For too long, municipalities have exploited byzantine zoning regulations to exclude all but the wealthiest homeowners. This new legislation will level the playing field and ensure that families and workers can find more affordable options, like modest townhomes or coach houses, in the communities of their choosing.”
In his speech, Governor Pritzker said, “The problem is clear, rent is too high, and homeownership is too far out of reach. The cause is clear, too: we are not building enough homes fast enough.” YIMBY Illinois agrees. The Governor’s proposal will cut red tape and encourage construction of more homes for working families with measures that:
• Prohibit local governments from banning modest home types. Currently, many neighborhoods ban smaller homes that are inherently more affordable, like coach houses (also known as “accessory dwelling units”), two-flats or three-flats, and instead only allow massive “McMansions” that regular working people can’t afford.
• Cut red tape and reduce convoluted approval processes that slow home building and raise the cost of housing. Currently, unnecessary bureaucracy and discretionary approvals force local home builders to jump through hoops and pay fees that delay or drive up the costs for new homes, even preventing homes from being built at all.
“Some cities are fighting these changes, but we can’t let a vocal minority pull up the ladder behind them and deny our communities the housing we urgently need,” Wolfenstein added. “Many of the municipalities criticizing this legislation already refuse to comply with the state’s Affordable Housing Planning and Appeals Act and continue to oppose any policy that could open their wealthy, exclusive communities to more neighbors. We can’t afford to let a broken status quo dictate our state’s future—it’s time for bold action to address the housing shortage.”
* Illinois Municipal League…
Governor JB Pritzker’s proposal in today’s State of the State Address includes provisions establishing statewide zoning standards, including minimum lot sizes, increased residential density allowances, legalization of accessory dwelling units, limitations on parking requirements and changes affecting local development review and inspection processes. These proposals also reference the creation of a statewide formula related to impact fees.
IML recognizes that housing costs and supply challenges are impacting communities and municipal leaders share the goal of expanding housing opportunities for all. While the proposed capital investment in housing and municipal infrastructure are both necessary and appreciated, the regulatory infringements represent a significant shift in longstanding local zoning and land use authority based on the unique needs, capacity and priorities of individual communities.
“This is a broad preemption of authority on an issue that is entirely local,” said IML Chief Executive Officer Brad Cole. “Promoting positive local development builds good communities. Zoning and land use decisions are best made locally by the leaders elected in those communities. To the extent there are concerns, rightfully, is an issue with the cost or availability of housing in Illinois, the issue is not caused by comprehensive planning and local zoning. This is another example of where one-size-fits-all statewide mandates are unworkable and will damage communities.”
Illinois communities vary widely in geography, population density, infrastructure capacity and housing demand. Uniform statewide standards cannot adequately reflect those differences or the planning efforts underway or completed in many municipalities.
Local officials look forward to reviewing the full legislative language of any proposals and engaging with the Governor’s Office and members of the General Assembly to ensure that reforms balance statewide policy goals with the preservation of local authority for land use and zoning.
* Illinois Realtors…
“For the past six years, our members have been the leading voice at the Capitol and in local city and village halls advocating for common-sense solutions to our state’s housing crisis,” said Illinois REALTORS CEO Jeff Baker. “We are pleased to see the Governor embrace the roadmap we have proposed—specifically the expansion of ADUs and zoning flexibility for ‘missing middle’ housing.”
The measures highlighted in today’s state budget address mirror the core pillars of Illinois REALTORS’ legislative platform since 2020. Since then, Illinois REALTORS has met with hundreds of local and state officials to discuss these initiatives. In 2024, Baker served on the Governor’s Ad-Hoc Missing Middle Housing Solutions Advisory Committee.
In December 2024, Baker spoke at the Governor’s announcement of the housing solutions reporter and reminded everyone that this is about strengthening Illinois’ housing economy for all Illinois families. “Our state’s housing shortage destabilizes families and communities. It doesn’t just prevent us from realizing the American Dream of homeownership, it drives some of out the housing market all together.”
Jeff Kolbus, Illinois REALTORS Board President added: “While we have been proposing these measures for years, having the Governor’s support is a significant turning point. We look forward to working alongside the administration and the legislature to ensure these association-backed priorities become law.
Illinois REALTORS is a voluntary trade association whose over 50,000 members are engaged in all facets of the real estate industry. In addition to serving the professional needs of its members, Illinois REALTORS works to protect the rights of private property owners in the state by recommending and promoting legislation to safeguard and advance the interest of real property ownership.
(W)e cannot build our way out of the housing affordability crisis. Even the governor made a distinction in his proposal to reduce barriers to development that it was separate from addressing affordable housing, and rightly so. Just building supply is not enough. A third of all Illinoisans and half of all Chicagoans are rent-burdened, paying more than 30% of their income in rent. We must do all we can to make at least half of all housing created be affordable if we’re to catch up. Just building more luxury housing isn’t a solution.
* Chicagoland Apartment Association…
At a time when affordability is a top priority, the Chicagoland Apartment Association strongly supports efforts that address the root causes of Illinois’ housing affordability challenges. Governor Pritzker’s Building Up Illinois Developments (BUILD Illinois) proposal represents a meaningful step toward modernizing our state’s housing policy framework. By streamlining zoning restrictions, allowing for greater development, reducing barriers such as lengthy permitting timelines, and investing in infrastructure, BUILD Illinois moves the conversation toward practical, long-term solutions that expand housing supply. Encouraging the development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), multifamily and other middle housing options will help meet demand across a range of income levels while strengthening neighborhoods and supporting economic growth. Strategic capital investments through infrastructure grants and housing development programs will further reduce financial barriers that often prevent projects from moving forward.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Ted Dabrowski answered a question about the proposal yesterday. I wanted to use it, but the BlueRoomStream video has since been deleted.
Anyway, discuss.
…Adding… I was able to obtain video of Dabrowski’s presser. His response…
I’d be very, very cautious about that bill and absolutely oppose it. What we don’t need is more centralization. I don’t like how much power Springfield has in Illinois. They have way too much power. We’re seeing this the same kind of problem with the solar panels being built on farms and counties not having any any voice. We cannot give Springfield even more power to put all kinds of housing wherever. So I would strongly oppose that. We’ve got a mess. We’ve spent already tons of money on affordable housing, all kinds of subsidies, all kinds of efforts to do that. And I think all it could do is if we give more power to the state and strip the power from local authorities, that would be bad deal.
…Adding… Darren Bailey was asked yesterday about the proposal…
Well, I think it sounds great, but it’s a little too late. We continue with the same rhetoric year in and year out, why hasn’t something been done before today?
