103rd ILLINOIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY:
The Illinois General Assembly stands adjourned until the Fall Veto Session. Dates for the Fall Veto Session, which will be held after the November General Election, have not been released.
Local Democrats appointed Arlington Heights Village Trustee Nicolle Grasse to replace former Representative Mark Walker in the 53rd House District. Walker was appointed to the Senate last month. Grasse is a hospice chaplain and an ordained minister with the United Church of Christ.
GOVERNOR’S HIGHLIGHTS:
New Laws: Governor Pritzker signed into law the FY 2025 operating and capital budget along with statutory language to implement the budget. This is the sixth budget of the Governor’s tenure and the largest ($53.1 billion GRF) in the state’s history. Read more here.
The Governor also signed SB 1996 (Cunningham/Hoffman) which makes changes to the State’s Worker’s Compensation system including addressing the current funding shortfall.
Renewable Energy Access Plan: The Illinois Commerce Commission adopted the state’s first Renewable Energy Access Plan (REAP). The plan is an actionable roadmap to ensure Illinois meets its policy requirements for an equitable, reliable, and cost-effective clean electricity system. REAP is intended to be a tool to encourage regional transmission organizations to be proactive in pursuing long-range transmission planning improvements to support future renewable energy development in their service territories.
The REAP makes initial findings and recommendations organized around five strategic elements:
- Tracking Progress Toward Illinois’ Policy Goals—Clarify the outlook for renewable and clean energy supply needs to determine how much renewable access must be created;
- Transitioning to a 100 percent Clean Electricity Mix—Examine the incentives and enforcement mechanisms that may be needed to support competitive investment in a reliable mix of resources throughout the transition to 100 percent clean electricity;
- Managing Land Use in Renewable Deployment—Identify opportunities to equitably manage land use in renewable deployment and coordination with transmission development, including through the development of REAP Zones;
- Effective Transmission Planning & Utilization—Develop a strategy for maximizing the use of existing transmission infrastructure and proactively planning around future needs to provide the necessary transmission cost-effectively and reduce barriers to renewable development; and
- Leveraging Regional Electricity Markets & Trade—Identify opportunities for leveraging regional electricity markets and trade to access the most efficient resources, avoid emissions leakage, and maintain reliability.
The complete Renewable Energy Access Plan is available under Docket No. 22-0749.
Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion Webinar: The Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion will offer the second segment of its inaugural educational webinar series, entitled State of Illinois Buying Plan – Making it Work for Your Business. The webinar will be held virtually on Wednesday, June 26th from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. The second installment of the series will help BEP and VBP vendors understand the State of Illinois Buying Plan, why it matters to their businesses, and how to strategize for greater success in obtaining contracts with the State of Illinois.
Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Medicaid Demonstration Program: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services selected Illinois as one of ten states to participate in the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Medicaid Demonstration Program which is designed to expand and improve access to coordinated mental health care and substance use services. The CCBHC Demonstration Program provides reimbursement through Medicaid for the full cost of services that CCBHCs provide — at higher rates than community mental health centers previously received for Medicaid customers. HFS anticipates that this program will bring an additional $150 million into Illinois’ behavioral health system. Read more here.
Community Development Block Grant for Public Infrastructure: The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity awarded 32 recipients with a total of $41 million in Community Development Block Grant for Public Infrastructure grants. Funding will support critical repairs to water, sewer, and drainage infrastructure to enhance safety and quality of life for 52,000 Illinois residents. Read more here.
Illinois Gaming Board June Meeting: The Illinois Gaming Board held its monthly meeting this week. The Board announced a new Request for Proposal to manage the Video Gaming Terminal Central Communication System. The RFP can be accessed here. Submissions are due by August 5, 2024. Read more about the Board’s other actions here.
Gubernatorial Appointments: Governor Pritzker appointed the following:
· Lakeshia Bell will serve as a Member of the Children and Family Services Advisory Council.
· Veronica Herrero will continue to serve as a Member of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
· Jamel Wright will serve as a Member of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
· Subhash Sharma will serve as a Member of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
· Claire Leopold will serve as a Member of the Illinois Housing Development Authority.
· Franciene Sabens will continue to serve as a Member of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
· Rodney Alford will serve as a Member of the State Board of Health.
· David Menchetti will continue to serve as a Member of the Workers’ Compensation Medical Fee Advisory Board.
OTHER NEWS:
Judge Blocks Slating Law: Sangamon County Judge Gail Noll blocked a new law that would ban party slating for General Assembly races. The new law, which quickly passed and was signed into law earlier this session, would have prevented General Assembly candidates who were not on the March primary ballot from being slated by a political party to run in the general election. The ruling applies only to the 14 plaintiffs in this year’s general election. No word yet on whether the state plans to appeal the decision. Read more here.
COGFA May Report: The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability issued its May Report. According to the Commission, May’s revenue fell $217 million (or 5.8%) over May last year. The primary cause was a sizeable drop in federal sources. Other state revenues were essentially flat for the month.