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13h ago

Illinois Veto Session Opens With Transit Funding, Energy Costs and ICE Limits on the Table

Leaders now prioritize a transit fix as the projected shortfall drops to about $200 million.

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A bus moves along West Wacker Drive as the sun sets on Sept. 14, 2025, in Chicago. COVID-19 relief money for transit networks is running out and 40% cuts in service across all three agencies could occur by next year, increasing fares and laying off employees if substantive state funding doesn't come to the rescue. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
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Overview

  • Regional Transportation Authority officials now peg the Chicago-area transit gap at roughly $200 million, renewing talks on a Senate-passed governance overhaul and a delivery-tax proposal that still lacks consensus.
  • House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch supports curbing ICE operations in sensitive locations such as hospitals and courts, with Democrats exploring legislation in response to recent enforcement activity.
  • State budget forecasters report a projected $267 million deficit, and Democrats are weighing whether to decouple parts of Illinois’ tax code from recent federal changes to protect revenue.
  • Negotiations have resumed on an energy package to expand wind, solar and grid-scale battery projects after a spring impasse, as rising household electric bills intensify pressure for a compromise.
  • Legislative leaders signal the Bears’ push for property tax changes to aid an Arlington Heights stadium is unlikely to advance this session, and Gov. J.B. Pritzker says the team should address about $534 million in Soldier Field debt first.