Latest news with #Pritzker
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Chicago's budget deficit threatened by pension bill that awaits Pritzker's signature
CHICAGO (WGN) — As Chicago stares down a billion-dollar budget deficit, a bill sitting on Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's desk threatens to sink the city's finances further into the red. At the center of the debate is a plan to boost pension payouts for some police and fire retirees. The measure is known as a 'pension sweetener,' and passed the legislature at the end of the spring session with almost no public discussion. Democratic Senate, comptroller candidates pitch for Cook County party's support The bill would boost pension benefits for officers and firefighters hired after 2010 by increasing the cap on pensionable salary and the annual cost-of-living adjustment for pensioners. To cover the adjustment, fiscal watchdogs project Chicago taxpayers would be on the hook for $60 million in 2027 and $754 million by 2055. 'We're still evaluating the bill. Obviously, there is a lot to consider here,' Pritzker said Tuesday. The presidents of the Civic Committee and Commercial Club of Chicago, the Civic Federation, and the Better Government Association all urge the governor to veto the bill, writing in the Tribune last week: 'Chicago and Illinois have among the most underfunded pension systems in the entire country. Taxpayers are on the hook for a combined state and local pension tab of $459 billion, or more than $90,000 per household.' 'One thing to consider is the finances of the city of Chicago; how will they pay for it? Another thing to consider is these are our policemen, these are our first responders, and we want to make sure that they're well taken care of,' Pritzker said. Faced with a nearly $1 billion budget deficit, the legislation has put Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson in a difficult spot. The former union organizer, turned elected official, says he'd like to increase fire responder compensation, but the government needs more money. 'I've spoken to the legislature about my concerns about this particular bill,' Johnson said. 'He's what should or could still happen is that in our effort to secure retirement for our public employees, which is critical and constitutional, absent progressive review, it's impossible to sustain that expectation.' Chicago alders fail to override mayor's veto of 'snap' curfew ordinance If Pritzker signs the pension bill, it's likely that Tier 2 workers elsewhere in Illinois will also seek a pay adjustment. Sweeping pension reform stalled at Springfield back in the spring. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Chicago Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
New Illinois law aims to make it easier to evict squatters
A new Illinois law is intended to allow law enforcement to remove squatters from privately owned property without the necessity of a lengthy eviction process. The measure, signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday, clarifies what has long been a point of contention over how authorities should handle squatters — people who are living in a residence without the permission of the property's legal tenant or owner. Illinois until now has not had a law differentiating between squatters and 'overstaying tenants' — people who claim to be a tenant or owner of the property they're occupying, according to Pritzker's office. A squatter can't be removed by law enforcement until a court eviction process is completed. Beginning Jan. 1, the law will establish a clear distinction between lawful tenants and unlawful squatters to ensure that property owners aren't forced to deal with a lengthy court process to remove occupants living on a property without permission. The new law also gives authorities guidance that when a property owner can show valid ownership and trespassing is occurring, officers can remove trespassers, according to the governor's office. 'This outdated eviction law has treated squatters the same as tenants, leaving property owners in limbo and tying the hands of law enforcement,' Pritzker said in a statement. 'This bill delivers long-overdue clarity, closes dangerous legal loopholes, and ensures that trespassers can no longer manipulate the system to delay removal from properties they never had any right to occupy in the first place.' 'Squatters are a problem, and no one should have to get an eviction notice to remove them from their home,' said state Sen. Lakesia Collins, a Chicago Democrat whose district covers a swath of the Near North and West sides. 'We are responding to constituents who have had trouble with squatters who could not be removed without an eviction. This will simplify the process and bring back much-needed security to residents.' The state House passed the measure without opposition in May after it moved through the Senate on a 55-1 vote, with Republican state Sen. Andrew Chesney of Freeport voting no.
Politico
2 days ago
- Business
- Politico
Pritzker on Dems: ‘We've lost our way'
Good Tuesday morning, Illinois. And h/t to the music lovers in Reader Digest. TOP TALKER TESTING THE WATERS: Gov. JB Pritzker sounded like a candidate road-testing a stump speech Monday at the Aspen Ideas Climate conference in Chicago. 'We've lost our way,' Pritzker said of Democrats' recent messaging. 'Let's not walk away from Civil Rights because we lost an election. We haven't talked enough about Civil Rights. We haven't talked enough about health care,' he told a crowd of global climate leaders and thinkers at the Salt Shed. During the Q&A with ABC News' Linsey Davis, Pritzker railed against the insurance industry's control on health care and called out the $7.25 federal minimum wage as a national disgrace. 'Why are Democrats not out there arguing for raising the minimum wage?' he asked, prompting applause from the crowd. 'What a great issue for Democrats.' Democrats reclaiming the populist mantle is a message Pritzker is likely to use on the campaign trail running for his third term. And it's a message that could carry through to 2028, too. On Monday, Pritzker toggled between policy and politics during the half-hour 'fireside chat.' He recounted legislative wins — like Illinois tripling its renewable energy output since 2021 — and painted a vision of a future where clean tech and climate action are economic drivers, not burdens. 'We're proving out the idea that you can accelerate progress even without the federal government's engagement,' he said, referring to the Trump administration's efforts to pull back on federal programs. Illinois is still achieving wins, Pritzker said, in spite of 'disturbing' federal rollbacks. He pointed to Rivian's electric vehicle plant in Normal and its thousands of new jobs as a 'proof point' of how green energy and middle-class economics aren't mutually exclusive. Everything's cyclical. Pritzker also looked ahead, saying, 'the nightmare … will end in three-and-a-half years.' RELATED: New Rivian supplier 'Adient' set to bring dozens of jobs to town of Normal, by 25 News Now's Imani McClay THE BUZZ FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: The race for Cook County's 12th District commissioner seat is already taking shape with Elizabeth Granato, currently head of the Cook County's Bureau of Asset Management, officially jumping in. In her campaign announcement, Granato struck a defiant tone. 'Cook County is on the front lines of the battle against the Trump MAGA Republican effort to take away health care from those who need it most, raise the cost of living and let the wealthiest corporations and billionaires dump their tax obligations on the middle class,' she said in a statement. 'I'm running to make sure nobody is left behind in Cook County.' Granato is positioning herself as a progressive standard-bearer in a district up for grabs after news Monday that Commissioner Bridget Degnen won't seek reelection. Degnen has thrown her support behind Cat Sharp, chief of staff to Ald. Andre Vasquez in the 40th Ward and before that Degnen's outreach director. Also considering a run: Jose 'Che-Che' Wilson, a noted LGBTQ+ policy advocate and community leader, is exploring a bid to replace Degnen, too. Granato, a Latina and the first in her family to graduate from college, is leaning into her personal story as she courts Democratic voters. She's already been endorsed by the Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers ADC 1 Illinois and Ironworkers District Council of Chicago and Vicinity. And Granato has the backing of her husband — state Sen Ram Villivalam. Look for Granato to file more than $200,000 in Illinois State Board of Elections filings today. Degnen's announcement that she won't seek reelection comes on the heels of Commissioners Kevin Morrison and Donna Miller also announcing their exits from their county jobs as they seek higher office. If you are Bridget Degnen, Playbook would like to hear from you! Email: skapos@ WHERE'S JB At Chicago's Union Station at 1 p.m. to deliver remarks for the site's centennial celebration honoring 100 years of service WHERE's BRANDON At Navy Pier at 9 a.m. for the Chicago Police Department recruit graduation and promotion ceremony — At Malcolm X College at 12:30 p.m. for People with Disabilities' Disability Pride Celebration — At City Hall at 3 p.m. to meet with reporters — At Salt Shed at 6:15 p.m. for the Aspen Climate: Chicago conference Where's Toni At La Rabida Children's Hospital at 10 a.m. to announce $25 million in community safety funding Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, new job or a (gasp!) complaint? Email skapos@ BUSINESS OF POLITICS — Endorsement: Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle endorsed Robert Peters on Monday in his bid for Congress in the 2nd District. The Tribune's Dan Petrella has details. — George Danos, the Champaign County auditor, who's running for state comptroller, says his research shows he'd be the first CPA to serve as comptroller of Illinois if he won the seat — and the first openly gay statewide office holder, too. The Elgin native says his focus is on transparency. 'To keep the state on a sound financial basis, the legislature and governor must be assisted by honest, direct and timely financial reporting,' Danos said in a statement. — Patrick Cortesi, chair of the McLean County Democrats and a longtime grassroots organizer, has launched his campaign for Democratic State Central Committee in Illinois' 16th District. Current Committeeman John Daniel is not seeking reelection and is endorsing Cortesi for the position. — IL-09: Another look at who's leading the money race, by the Daily Herald's Russell Lissau THE STATEWIDES — Gov. JB Pritzker joins letter demanding release of federal education funding, with billions still in limbo: 'The grants, already appropriated by Congress, were abruptly frozen the day before they were set to be disbursed July 1. The paused funding included $241.8 million for Illinois schools and community colleges,' by the Tribune's Kate Armanini. — Illinois joins suit to block Trump administration from barring undocumented immigrants from public benefits, by the Sun-Times' Violet Miller — Following state rep's encounter, Pritzker signs 'squatter bill' into law, by Capitol News' Ben Szalinski — Former ComEd CEO says she's innocent, even as judge gives her 2 years in prison, by the Sun-Times' Jon Seidel — COLUMN: Illinois ranks last in financial reporting, by the News-Gazette's Jim Dey CHICAGO — Police Department brass accused Mayor Brandon Johnson's budget office of 'systemically' delaying paychecks: The mayor's office says it was an 'administrative' error that has since been rectified, by the Tribune's Alice Yin. — Online sports betting, legal video gaming could be cash cow for Chicago, alderpersons say: 'But Chicago would only benefit if it demands a greater cut of video gaming tax revenue from Springfield, city officials say,' by the Sun-Times' Fran Spielman. — Steven Montano guilty of first-degree murder in killing of CPD Officer Andres Vasquez Lasso, by the Sun-Times' Sophie Sherry — City leaders, including the mayor, call on state lawmakers to act to unmask ICE agents, by the Block Club's Francia Garcia Hernandez — City Council v. Chicago Cops in 16-Inch softball: 'Despite the Police Knights batting opposite-handed, the City Council softball team showed their legislative skills don't transfer so easily to the diamond — though they still eked out a questionable win,' by the Block Club's Noah Asimow. — American Airlines drops federal lawsuit, escalates Chicago O'Hare gate fight in local court, by View From The Wing's Gary Leff TAKING NAMES — NEW FELLOWS: In the often-fractured world of Illinois politics, the Edgar Fellows Program stands out as a rare and hopeful experiment in bipartisan collaboration. Next month, 41 new public policy leaders — from lawmakers to nonprofit directors — will gather in Urbana-Champaign for a weeklong crash course in ethical, solutions-driven leadership. Launched in 2012 by former Gov. Jim Edgar, the program pushes civility over conflict and promotes bridging political, racial and regional divides. 'Though they each have their own unique life experiences, they find out that they have more in common than they have that separates them,' Edgar said in announcing the latest cohort. Among this year's participants: state Sens. Mary Edly-Allen, Suzy Glowiak Hilton, Darby Hills and Craig Wilcox; state Reps. Harry Benton, Mary Beth Canty, Brandun Schweizer and Nabeela Syed; Chicago Alds. Ruth Cruz and Timmy Knudsen; Chief of Staff to the Illinois Speaker Clayton Harris III; Climate Jobs Illinois Executive Director Joe Duffy (the former campaign manager for Attorney General Kwame Raoul); Illinois Chamber CEO Lou Sandoval; Validus co-founder Nicholas Klitzing (the former Illinois GOP executive director); and Intersect Illinois Comms Director Amanda Vinicky. Here's the full list — Darren Walker, the outgoing president of the Ford Foundation, is joining the Obama Foundation's board of directors on Nov 1. — Bill Adair is joining the line-up of the Printers Row Lit Fest in September. Adair, who won a Pulitzer for his work at PolitiFact, is among seven Pulitzer Prize winners at the event. Reader Digest We asked what album you'd take with you on a desert island. Denise Barreto: 'Black On Both Sides' by Mos Def (also known as Yasiin Bey). Josef Michael Carr Jr.: 'Songs in the Key of Life' by Stevie Wonder. David Eldridge: ''We Are' by Jon Batiste. When I am down, I place this album on my record player to be uplifted.' Mike Gascoigne: 'Stand for Myself' by Yola. John Howell: 'Herb Alpert's 'Whipped Cream' (a masterpiece).' Robert Kieckhefer: 'Jazz Samba' by Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd. David Kohn: 'The Power and the Glory by Gentle Giant.' Joan Pederson: ''John Prine,' his first.' Fred Lebed: 'The Burning Spear.' Ron Michelotti: 'Tapestry.' Marilynn Miller: 'Any album of Frank Sinatra's that includes 'My Way.' It's my theme song.' Jeff Nathan: 'Big Boat' by Phish. Timothy Powell: 'The only album that matters by 'The Only Band That Matters': 'London Calling' by The Clash!' Alison Pure-Slovin: 'Sounds of Silence' by Simon and Garfunkel. Elliot Regenstein: 'The new EP 'Vacation Home' from the Illinois-based band North Grove!' Ebony Scott-Anderson: ''The Lion King: The Gift by Beyoncé.' It's full of hope and reminders of one's inner strength. Something I'd need to survive until I'm rescued.' Scott Simon: 'Erik Satie's 'Gymnopedies.' Moves from pensive to haunting to joyful and back again.' Steve Smith: 'Rubber Soul.' John Straus: 'Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto recording featuring Arturo Toscanini leading the NBC Symphony Orchestra with Vladimir Horowitz soloist.' Michael Strautmanis: 'Prince's 'Sign O' the Times' — an experimental narrative from our generation's Mozart.' Matt Sullard: ''Reggatta de Blanc' by The Police, just to play 'Message in a Bottle' on repeat unironically.' Wendi Taylor Nations: 'Guns N' Roses' 'Appetite for Destruction' because I grew up with Axl Rose and Izzy Stradlin and 'Sweet Child O' Mine' reminds me of home.' Timothy Thomas: 'Stevie Wonder's 'Songs in the Key of Life,' the first album I bought with hard-earned paper-route money.' Patricia Ann Watson: 'Stevie Wonder's 'Journey Through The Secret Life of Plants.'' Judith Weinstein: 'Talking Book' by Stevie Wonder. Steve Weiss: 'The Tour de Force by Brian Wilson.' NEXT QUESTION: If you had to filibuster for 12 hours straight, what topic could you ramble about? THE NATIONAL TAKE — GOP megabill's final score: $3.4T in red ink and 10 million kicked off health insurance, CBO says, by POLITICO's Jennifer Scholtes, Robert King and Benjamin Guggenheim — Frustration and fear ripple through NPR and PBS affiliates, by POLITICO's Aaron Pellish and Irie Sentner — Why Ross Perot caught the zeitgeist — and Elon Musk might not, by John Ganz for POLITICO DELEGATION — Congresswoman Robin Kelly joined in introducing the Gun Safety Incentive Act. The bill promotes safe gun storage practices by providing a federal tax credit for individuals who purchase certified firearm safes and secure storage devices. IN MEMORIAM — Veteran Chicago defense attorney Thomas Anthony Durkin dies at 78, by the Tribune's Jason Meisner TRIVIA MONDAY's ANSWER: The Forum in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood was known for its large ballroom and being a go-to place for Jazz and Blues music. TODAY's QUESTION: Which of August Wilson's 'Pittsburgh Cycle' plays is actually set in Chicago? Email your answer to: skapos@ HAPPY BIRTHDAY Former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar, lobbyist and former Ald. Joe Moore and lieutenant governor's Comms Director Taylor Brown -30-
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Editorial: Cook County Democrats got it right by staying neutral
With Sen. Dick Durbin stepping aside after nearly three decades in the U.S. Senate, Democratic Party leaders in Cook County have wisely chosen not to anoint a favorite in the crowded Democratic primary. Illinois voters deserve a Democratic primary without heavy‑handed meddling. So Cook County Democrats made the right call by staying neutral. A neutral stance can prevent the kind of backroom deals that turn off voters and depress turnout. Across the country, voters are showing impatience with party insiders angling to pick winners long before ballots are cast. We're glad the Democratic powers that be decided — albeit, not unanimously — that this momentous occasion should be left to the people, despite immense pressure from Gov. JB Pritzker to back his former lieutenant governor for the seat. While we believe the governor is within his rights to endorse anyone he pleases and even to put some of his personal billions to work for that candidate, we've also said we believe Pritzker should resist the urge to put his thumb on the scale. While he'd certainly love to lock in a key ally as Durbin's inevitable successor, the people deserve a fair, competitive race. Pritzker's preferred candidate, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, has served as lieutenant governor since 2019 and previously served in the Illinois House, giving her statewide visibility and legislative experience. U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, a former state legislator and statewide officeholder, has represented Illinois in Congress since 2013 and brings deep ties to the party's establishment. And U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, in Congress since 2017, is a prolific fundraiser with a strong suburban base and support from prominent Latino and downstate leaders. That's the hot state of play at present but the primary won't take place until March. We'll have plenty more to say about this race before that. And America could well be in a different place by then. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@ Solve the daily Crossword
Chicago Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Editorial: Cook County Democrats got it right by staying neutral
With Sen. Dick Durbin stepping aside after nearly three decades in the U.S. Senate, Democratic Party leaders in Cook County have wisely chosen not to anoint a favorite in the crowded Democratic primary. Illinois voters deserve a Democratic primary without heavy‑handed meddling. So Cook County Democrats made the right call by staying neutral. A neutral stance can prevent the kind of backroom deals that turn off voters and depress turnout. Across the country, voters are showing impatience with party insiders angling to pick winners long before ballots are cast. We're glad the Democratic powers that be decided — albeit, not unanimously — that this momentous occasion should be left to the people, despite immense pressure from Gov. JB Pritzker to back his former lieutenant governor for the seat. While we believe the governor is within his rights to endorse anyone he pleases and even to put some of his personal billions to work for that candidate, we've also said we believe Pritzker should resist the urge to put his thumb on the scale. While he'd certainly love to lock in a key ally as Durbin's inevitable successor, the people deserve a fair, competitive race. Pritzker's preferred candidate, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, has served as lieutenant governor since 2019 and previously served in the Illinois House, giving her statewide visibility and legislative experience. U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, a former state legislator and statewide officeholder, has represented Illinois in Congress since 2013 and brings deep ties to the party's establishment. And U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, in Congress since 2017, is a prolific fundraiser with a strong suburban base and support from prominent Latino and downstate leaders. That's the hot state of play at present but the primary won't take place until March. We'll have plenty more to say about this race before that. And America could well be in a different place by then.
