Illinois Legislative News: August 26, 2024
Third Reading Consulting Group
The Democratic National Convention (DNC) concluded Thursday, August 22 after a rousing week in Chicago. The city saw an estimated 50,000 visitors come to attend the DNC and the various events surrounding it. While most of the events and major speeches were held during the nighttime programming at the United Center, the DNC also held numerous events at Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center. Events included various caucus meetings; informational panels; and DemPalooza, an all-day event held all four days designed to connect Democratic leaders from around the nation and provide trainings to help elect Democrats up-and-down the ballot in November.
On Tuesday, August 20, Democrats held a ceremonial roll call vote turned dance party as the Party confirmed its August 6 virtual vote to formally nominate Kamala Harris and Tim Walz for president and vice president. Minnesota Governor Walz formally accepted his nomination on Wednesday, August 21, while Vice President Harris formally accepted her nomination, and addressed the nation, on Thursday, August 22. The DNC saw numerous other high-profile speeches from Democratic leaders, including former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, U.S. Senate Majority LeaderChuck Schumer, U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, and others. A few Republicans, such as former Trump Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham and former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger also spoke at the Convention. High profile Illinois Democrats, including Gov. J.B. Pritzker, U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood, U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson all addressed the audience at the DNC.
Gov. Pritzker used the DNC as an opportunity to tout Illinois recent legislative successes as well as showcase the state as great place to work and live. At the Illinois delegation breakfast on Monday, August 19, Pritzker stated, “Illinois Democrats have done so much. Think about it, since I’ve come into office and we’ve had a supermajority in the Democratic legislature: we have raised the minimum wage to a living wage, we have eliminated grocery taxes, we are canceling medical debt, we’ve lowered small business taxes, we’ve reduced the cost of prescription drugs, Democrats raised teacher pay, and we have amended our Constitution to guarantee workers’ rights.”
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
November 5 – 2024 General Election
November 12-14 – Veto Session Week 1
November 19-21 – Veto Session Week 2
