GOVERNOR’S HIGHLIGHTS:
Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Officially Launches: On Tuesday, September 1, 2026, the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) officially replaced the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and assumed oversight of Metra, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), and Pace. Read more here.
Illinois Receives Another Credit Upgrade: Illinois has received its second credit rating upgrade in less than a week, with S&P Global Ratings now raising the State’s general obligation bond rating to A (stable outlook). This upgrade, the 12th under Governor Pritzker, represents the highest S&P rating for Illinois in over a decade. Last week, Moody’s also upgraded the state to A1, its highest rating in nearly 15 years. S&P attributed the upgrades to Illinois’ consistent fiscal management and governance improvements, noting the state has maintained eight consecutive balanced budgets despite challenges from H.R. 1 passed in July 2025. Read more here.
Governor Asks Trump Administration to Suspend Federal Import Taxes on Fertilizers: Governor Pritzker urged President Trump to suspend federal import taxes on nitrogen-based fertilizers that Illinois corn farmers depend on for crop production. The Governor also requested an extension of the current suspension on certain phosphate fertilizer imports until June 30, 2027. Read more here.
Jim Montgomery Selected to Lead IDNR: Governor Pritzker has appointed Jim Montgomery as the new head of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), effective August 31. Montgomery has extensive experience in conservation, law enforcement, and public administration. He previously served as the Commissioner and Director of Administration and Finance for the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and was the first Executive Director of the Illinois Prisoner Review Board. He also held roles at the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department and worked as Vice President of Client Services for Intermedix Corporation. His background also includes experience in procurement, administration, and finance with the Boston Public Health Commission.
Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program Applications Open: Applications are now open for the sixth round of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, which aims to provide training opportunities and enhance diversity in the construction industry. This round offers $25 million in funding to support up to 45 programs across the state, targeting underrepresented groups such as people of color, veterans, and women. Nearly 2,000 residents are expected to benefit from this initiative. Grantees will be chosen through a competitive process. Read more here.
Gubernatorial Appointments: Governor Pritzker appointed the following:
· Tara Ori will serve as a Member of the Children and Family Services Advisory Council.
· Chasse Rehwinkel will serve as a Member of the Illinois Finance Authority.
OTHER NEWS:
COGFA August Report: In August, the State’s General Funds experienced a significant revenue increase of $326 million, or 9.2%, compared to the previous year. This growth follows a strong performance in July. Key contributors to this increase included Personal Income Tax, Federal Sources, and Sales Tax, with Personal Income Tax receipts jumping by $195 million, or 10.4%. Sales Tax continued its upward trend, increasing by $91 million, or 9.0%. All Other State Sources also saw a notable $100 million increase, driven mainly by a $79 million increase in Interest on State Funds and Investments.
Despite these gains, Transfers In decreased sharply by $147 million, primarily due to the absence of a large Income Tax Refund Fund transfer that occurred the previous year. This decline highlights concerns over potential stagnation in overall receipts for FY 2027. Meanwhile, Federal Sources increased by $115 million, or 30.9%, although these funds can be subject to timing fluctuations. Overall, while many revenue categories improved, the upcoming months may reveal the impact of reduced transfers. Read the full report here.
Judge Blocks Enforcement of Prescription Drug Affordability Act: A federal judge has blocked enforcement of Illinois’ Prescription Drug Affordability Act (PDAA), finding it likely conflicts with federal law by imposing excessive reporting requirements on organizations that manage prescription drug benefits for insurers. U.S. District Judge Colleen Lawless issued an injunction on August 31, stating that these requirements are preempted by the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Read more here.
Meta Settlement: Meta, owner of Facebook and Instagram, reached a $17 billion settlement with states, including Illinois, over claims its platforms used addictive features and harmed children’s mental health. Illinois will receive $768 million. The Chicago Teachers Union wants the funds used for education, while Governor Pritzker has said he prefers one-time allocations for one-time needs. According to the settlement terms, the cash is supposed to be used for “remedial or restitutive purposes.” Read more here.
Brandon Road Interbasin Project: Federal officials lifted a stop-work order on Wednesday, September 2, allowing construction to resume on the state-federal project in Joliet, Illinois, designed to keep invasive carp from entering the Great Lakes.
The Army Corps issued the stop-work order in July while the project underwent administrative review, but the Corps has not explained why the order was issued, who was conducting the review, or how long it was expected to take.
The decision followed requests from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who both urged the President to lift the stop-work order. Read Governor Pritzker’s letter 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.