Illinois General Assembly

Democrats are entering the home stretch of budget negotiations ahead of their scheduled May 31 adjournment while monitoring better-than-expected revenue growth alongside the uncertainty that is a hallmark of governing during Donald Trump’s presidency.

The Bears continue to weigh whether to build a stadium in Arlington Heights or Northwest Indiana. A new property tax relief element to a measure that would allow the Bears to renegotiate their property taxes with the northwest suburb is seen as essential in getting support from lawmakers outside of Chicago, including Republicans.

A bill to regulate social media companies and the features they make available to minors is advancing in the Statehouse.

For the last year, legislators in Springfield have been trying to work through a variety of issues raised by skeptics of the autonomous vehicles, known as AVs.

A new Illinois bill would establish a state grant program to pay for abortions for uninsured or underinsured people. The grant money would come from funds set aside from Affordable Care Act plans.

Republicans are blaming Democratic policies, such as unfunded mandates on local governments and school districts, for raising property taxes while failing to provide other financial assistance.

The debate over how to regulate data centers in Illinois is intensifying as lawmakers struggle to balance costs to consumers and the state’s need to be competitive economically.

A delay last year in finishing the external audit for McLean County government put grants at risk and further heightened periodic and recurring tensions. McLean County Board Chair Elizabeth Johnston said in a WGLT interview she thinks this year will go much better.

The recent suspension of federally funded food assistance for needy Americans as well as upcoming rule changes in Medicaid are presenting difficult challenges for state policymakers.

A closely-watched and long-debated piece of energy legislation is set to become law after passing through both legislative chambers with the governor’s endorsement.