Illinois Legislative News: April 15, 2024
Third Reading Consulting Group
Sen. Gillespie and Rep. Ozinga Resign from the General Assembly
Sen. Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) announced on Tuesday that she will resign from her seat to become the new director of the Illinois Department of Insurance (DOI). Since 2019, she has represented the 27th Senate District, encompassing all or portions of Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, and Rolling Meadows in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Prior to serving in the General Assembly, Sen. Gillespie worked in the healthcare industry. She sponsored a variety of healthcare bills, including legislation to create a state-based health insurance marketplace beginning in 2026. In her new role, Gillespie will oversee the regulation of the insurance industry in Illinois under the mandate to protect consumers and foster competitive markets. Gillespie is replacing Dana Popish Severinghaus, whose last day with DOI is April 15. Democratic committeepeople in her district must choose a replacement in the next 30 days. Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) and Rep. Mary Beth Canty (D-Arlington Heights) are the most likely candidates to replace Sen. Gillespie, given that they already serve in the General Assembly and have been elected by half of her district.
On Monday, Rep. Tim Ozinga (R-Mokena) resigned from his seat representing the 37th House district, which he has held since 2021. In his resignation statement, Rep. Ozinga did not provide a clear reason for leaving the General Assembly at this time. He ran unopposed for reelection in the 2024 Republican primary just last month. In 2022, while serving as House Republican finance chair, he attempted to replace former House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, although current House Republican Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savana) ended up taking over the position. Ozinga’s future plans remain uncertain, but his family owns a well-known concrete company. Rep. Ozinga’s district includes the southwestern Chicago suburbs of Frankfort, Homer Glen, Mokena, and Orland Park. Republican committee. People in his district must now convene to pick a replacement within 30 days.
Mayor Brandon Johnson Expresses Support for $70M in Migrant Funding
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson met with alderpersons this week to brief them on a proposal to approve $70M in funding for migrant services. This is a significant reversal of Mayor Johnson’s position on providing additional funding for migrants in 2024. Back in January, he allegedly reached an agreement with Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle to provide an additional $321M to fill the gap in funding for the influx of migrants arriving in Illinois, mostly to Chicago. Both the State of Illinois and Cook County provided their respective $182M and $70M portions of the deal, but the City of Chicago decided to back out of their $69M commitment. Now, Mayor Johnson appears to be recommitting to the original deal, though the exact timeline and whether this funding will be approved by the City Council remains unclear. The proposed $70M would be in addition to the $150M already set aside in the 2024 city budget to address migrant needs. Johnson, Pritzker, and Preckwinkle expect the busing of migrants into Chicago to ramp up later this summer ahead of the Democratic National Convention from August 19 to 22.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
April 12 – Senate Third Reading Deadline
April 19 – House Third Reading Deadline
May 3 – Opposite Chamber Committee Deadline
May 17 – Opposite Chamber Third Reading Deadline
May 24 – Adjournment
May 25-31 – Contingent Session Days for Budget
November 5 – 2024 General Election
