104th ILLINOIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY:
The Illinois House stands adjourned for the week. Like its Senate counterpart last week, the House took little formal action. Members approved, along partisan lines, a handful of nonbinding resolutions on federal issues — condemning ICE action, federal funding cuts to Affordable Care Act subsidies and day care, tariffs, and efforts to acquire foreign land. While no committees met this week, members did meet in partisan caucuses. The House will reconvene February 17 – 19. The Senate returns February 3 – 5.
Friday, February 6, is the bill-filing deadline. The Governor will deliver his combined State of the State and Budget Address to a joint session of the Illinois General Assembly on Wednesday, February 18.
Key 2026 Session Dates:
February 6: Bill Filing Deadline — Both Chambers
February 18: Governor’s Budget and State of the State Address
March 13: Deadline — Substantive Senate Bills out of Committee
March 27: Deadline — Substantive House Bills out of Committee
March 17: Primary Election
April 17: Deadline — 3rd Reading Substantive Bills in First Chamber
May 8: Deadline — Substantive Bills out of Committee in Second Chamber
May 22: Deadline — 3rd Reading Substantive Bills in Second Chamber
May 31: Adjournment
GOVERNOR’S HIGHLIGHTS:
FY 2026 Budget Reserves: This week, the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget released the FY 26 budget reserve list. This list includes $481.6 million in reserves identified by agencies to mitigate fiscal risks amid economic uncertainty. Agencies were instructed to reserve up to 4% of their FY26 General Funds appropriations and limit non-essential spending. Typically, reserves were achieved through administrative efficiencies and cost controls, with critical services such as pension funding and K–12 education remaining unaffected. The reserves are broken down as follows: Healthcare & Human Services – $361.5M, Higher Education – $30.5M, Public Safety – $22.1M, Economic Development, Environment & Culture – $10.3M, and Government Services – $57.2M. Read more here. The complete list is here.
IBHE Approves FY 27 Budget Request: The Illinois Board of Higher Education approved a fiscal year 2027 budget request featuring a 4.5% overall increase in higher education funding (excluding pensions), amounting to an additional $121.5 million. The proposal prioritizes advancing the state’s higher education strategic plan, “A Thriving Illinois,” with specific increases including: $50 million more for the Monetary Award Program (MAP), $5 million more for the AIM HIGH grant, a $38.8 million (3%) increase for public university operations, and a $10.6 million (3%) increase for community colleges, adult education, and career/technical education. Additional targeted boosts include $3 million for early childhood workforce scholarships and $1 million for the SUCCESS program to support equitable student outcomes. The board recommends allocating funds with an equity lens, particularly benefiting historically marginalized and low-income student populations. The budget recommendation will be submitted to the Governor for consideration. The full fiscal year 2027 IBHE recommended budget is here. Read more here and here.
University Professionals of Illinois President John Miller criticized the Board’s description of the budget request. Miller referred to it as a “sham” budget, stating, “Board members claim they are requesting a 3% increase, but that is misleading. In reality, their recommendation reflects only a 1% increase over what was appropriated—but not released by Governor Pritzker—in the current fiscal year (FY 26).”
Gubernatorial Appointments: Governor Pritzker appointed the following:
· Melissa Shepherd will continue to serve as a Member of the Illinois Health Benefits Exchange Advisory Committee.
· Mariel Hamer-Sinclair will continue to serve as a Member of the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission.
New Law: Governor Pritzker signed HB 1836, which creates the Clean Slate Act. The legislation automates the state’s record-sealing process for individuals with certain non-violent convictions. Read more here and here.
OTHER NEWS:
Illinois Democrats Request Early Primary for 2028: The Illinois Democratic Party has submitted a proposal to the Democratic National Committee to secure a spot in the early phase of the 2028 presidential primary — competing with 11 other states for a voting position prior to Super Tuesday. Illinois Democratic Party Chair Lisa Hernandez emphasized the state’s diverse representation of urban, suburban, and rural America, highlighting its significance for labor rights, equality, and reproductive justice. Governor JB Pritzker and state legislative leaders support the proposal.
Attorney General Reflects on Trump Anniversary: Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office filed 51 lawsuits against the Trump Administration in its first year. Key victories include blocking the National Guard in Illinois, restoring homeland security and FEMA funding, and defending the Trust Act against ICE. Read more here.
Com Ed Files Four-Year Plan: ComEd has announced a $15.3 billion grid plan covering the years 2028 to 2031, aimed at addressing the increasing demand for electricity in northern Illinois. This plan, pending approval from the Illinois Commerce Commission, focuses on building new substations, expanding renewable energy sources like solar and wind, and replacing outdated equipment to ensure reliable service for its 4.1 million customers. The approval process is expected to take about 11 months. Read more here.