GOVERNOR’S HIGHLIGHTS:
Comprehensive Climate Action Plan: The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency released the Illinois Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP), an actionable roadmap for meeting the state’s carbon reduction goals. The plan builds on Illinois’ Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP), submitted to the U.S. EPA in 2024 through the federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program. Illinois EPA received $430 million through CPRG to implement greenhouse gas reduction programs. Read more here. A fact sheet is here.
Workforce Training and Career Opportunities: The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded $11.4 million to 23 organizations through the Job Training and Economic Development Program. This funding aims to enhance workforce training and career support for Illinois residents facing employment barriers, including underemployed, unemployed, and underrepresented groups. The program prioritizes populations such as immigrants, refugees, justice-involved individuals, rural residents, and youth with employment challenges, helping connect them with necessary skills and resources for in-demand careers. Read more here.
Illinois Expands Access for Medical Cannabis Patients and Dispensaries: The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation issued medical cannabis dispensary licenses to 37 existing dispensaries. Effective immediately, these locations may serve adult-use customers and medical patients at the same site. The change also lets newer dispensaries licensed through social equity lotteries serve medical patients. Read more here.
Grocery Initiative Grant Program: Over $26 million in grant funding is available for the Illinois Grocery Initiative. This includes funding for the New Stores ($20.8 million) and Equipment Upgrades Grant Programs ($750,000). Illinois is also launching the new Grocery Rescue Program ($4.5 million), designed to help reopen grocery stores that have closed in the last year. Applications are open, and grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity process. Read more here.
Transit Agency Funding Available: The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Board of Education announced a funding opportunity for eligible agencies to create programs that help public school students use transit outside the Chicago area. The competitive grant program offers $35 million, with applications due October 15. Read more here.
Illinois Gaming Board: The Illinois Gaming Board met last week. A summary of their September meeting is here.
Gubernatorial Appointments: Governor Pritzker appointed the following:
· Lydia Colunga-Merchant will serve as Assistant Director of the Illinois Department of Labor.
· Brett Finley will serve as a member of the Lottery Control Board.
OTHER NEWS:
Digital Asset Tax: Another lawsuit has been filed to block implementation of the new Digital Asset Tax passed as part of the revenue and budget package last May. On Wednesday, the Blockchain Association and the Crypto Council for Innovation filed a motion for a preliminary injunction in a Circuit Court in Sangamon County to stop Illinois from enforcing the new tax before it takes effect in January.
The law imposes a 0.2% tax on digital asset transactions and is scheduled to go into effect in January 2027. In its motion, the plaintiffs argue the new tax would be unprecedented and that it is causing “irreparable harm” to its members. The Digital Chamber filed its lawsuit in July, seeking to block implementation.
Illinois Supreme Court Seeking Applications for State Public Defender: The Illinois Supreme Court is accepting applications for the first Illinois State Public Defender, who will lead an independent Judicial Branch agency. The role will advocate for public defenders and the constitutional rights of people charged with offenses in Illinois, while implementing policies and reforms to support effective representation. Applications opened September 9, 2026, and are due October 9, 2026. The Court will appoint the State Public Defender to a two-year term beginning January 1, 2027.
Northern Illinois Transit Authority: The newly formed Northern Illinois Transit Authority held its first meeting on Thursday. The Board elected Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago Senior Vice President and former RTA board member Tom Kotarac as their chair. Former Commissioner for Chicago’s Department of Aviation Jamie Rhee will serve as the interim executive director. Read more here.
Medical Aid in Dying Lawsuit: On Thursday, a federal judge denied a request from disability rights advocates to block an Illinois law allowing terminally ill patients to obtain prescription medication to end their lives. The lawsuit, filed by disabled patients and advocacy groups, claims the law violates the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Affordable Care Act, and the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause. The law takes effect on September 12. Read more here.
AG Announces Settlement with Nicor Gas: Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced a settlement with Northern Illinois Gas Company (Nicor) that reduces the utility’s requested rate increase by 63%, saving customers approximately $140 million. If the Illinois Commerce Commission approves it, most Nicor customers will see a lower monthly bill during non-heat months, with the fixed charge dropping from $21.30 to $15.00 starting November 16. The settlement also limits Nicor’s profit on infrastructure investments, benefiting consumers. Additionally, Nicor has pledged to protect union jobs through next year under a separate agreement. Read more here.
104TH ILLINOIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY:
The Illinois General Assembly remains adjourned until the call of the Presiding Officers. Veto Session is scheduled for November 17 – 19 and December 1 – 3.
Legislative Inspector General Michael McCuskey announced his retirement effective September 30. His departure follows recent concerns raised about his temperament and investigative performance. A statement issued by the Legislative Ethics Commission said, in part, “The Commission has commenced the process for filling that vacancy pursuant to its statutory obligations. Representative Jeff Keicher, Chair of the Legislative Ethics Commission, and all members of the Commission want to assure the public of the Commission’s commitment to filling the position in a timely manner. The Commission considers the Legislative Inspector General to be a vital position that should be filled as expeditiously as possible to ensure the integrity of the Office and to preserve the citizens’ trust in the functions and operations of the legislative branch of government for which the LIG has jurisdiction.” The application deadline is October 31, although the statement indicated that deadline could be extended if necessary. In the interim, pursuant to statutory guidelines, the LEC will appoint an acting LIG on October 1. Read more here.