5 new laws starting on or after July 1

By Lilly Rossi

06/12/2026

A list of laws Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed over a year ago take effect this year. Here’s what you need to know.

Illinois lawmakers fail to pass millionaires tax, path to progressive income tax

By Bryce Hill

06/11/2026

None of the three proposed amendments to the Illinois Constitution that would have repealed or endangered the state’s flat income tax protection advanced during this year’s legislative session.

Illinois lawmakers push through record-high $55.9 billion budget at 4:13 a.m.

By Lilly Rossi

06/05/2026

The spending plan passed in a familiar scramble in the final hours of the 104th Illinois General Assembly.

Lawmakers punt on housing supply as prices up 48% since 2019

By LyLena Estabine

06/04/2026

The state’s home prices have jumped 48% while housing for sale has plummeted.

Illinois passes record $55.9 billion budget, with over $800 million in tax increases

By Bryce Hill

06/01/2026

Illinois lawmakers’ late-night budget sets a new spending record financed by more tax hikes on the final day of legislative session.

TAGS: budget, JB Pritzker, pensions, taxes

Illinois suspending gas tax hike, sweep $150M sales taxes

By Todd J. Behme

05/31/2026

Lawmakers plan to stop the automatic gas tax increase for six months but plan to use an unexpected $150 million in sales tax from high gas prices to balance the budget rather than benefit taxpayers.

TAGS: budget, gas tax

Counties urge Pritzker to say yes to donor funds for students

By Hannah Schmid

05/29/2026

Thirteen county boards to date have adopted resolutions pushing for the governor to opt into a donor-funded federal program for academic needs.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Will new state budget skirt law meant to protect transportation money?

By Joe Tabor

05/29/2026

Year after year the state budget has diverted money meant for transportation to pay the bills. It’s a good bet the fiscal 2027 budget will do it again.

Pathway to a Profession: How Apprenticeships Could Reshape Illinois’ Beauty Service Industry

By Patrick Andriesen

05/28/2026

Occupational licensing requirements present one of the steepest barriers to low-income Illinoisans starting careers in beauty services. Illinois requires anyone seeking to become a barber, cosmetologist, nail technician or hair braider to obtain a state license, essentially a permission slip to work. Unlike 45 other states, Illinois offers only one pathway to licensure for each...

Tax hike threat looms as Illinois budget deadline nears

By Bryce Hill

05/27/2026

They are signaling a willingness to raise taxes as the May 31 deadline quickly approaches.

Illinois General Assembly

5 new laws starting on or after July 1

Illinois lawmakers fail to pass millionaires tax, path to progressive income tax

Illinois lawmakers push through record-high $55.9 billion budget at 4:13 a.m.

Lawmakers punt on housing supply as prices up 48% since 2019

Illinois passes record $55.9 billion budget, with over $800 million in tax increases

Illinois suspending gas tax hike, sweep $150M sales taxes

Counties urge Pritzker to say yes to donor funds for students

Will new state budget skirt law meant to protect transportation money?

Pathway to a Profession: How Apprenticeships Could Reshape Illinois’ Beauty Service Industry

Tax hike threat looms as Illinois budget deadline nears

Pathway to a Profession: How Apprenticeships Could Reshape Illinois’ Beauty Service Industry

Report Archive

Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students