Specifically, the controversy centers on whether the BIPA reforms should be interpreted to apply to lawsuits filed before the law was changed, or if they should only apply to those suits hitting businesses after lawmakers added the key new language, which at least appears to limit the explicit ability of trial lawyers to use the law to level massive demands for money from employers and other businesses operating in Illinois.

Brian Gaines, professor in State Politics at the University of Illinois, said much of the political machine built by Madigan remains intact, even though the people in power now might quickly deny any association with the ex-speaker and insist there’s no pay-for-play in sight. “I think it’s hard to argue that somehow we’ve got a wholly new political culture,” Gaines concluded.

Republican state Rep. Brad Halbrook recently told a House committee the rationale for the energy policy that could come up for consideration is not cutting it when it comes to high energy prices.

Pritzker could have used his veto power when the regular session ended to address the numerous bills that will make it harder for those living, working and paying taxes in Illinois. Instead, he was a rubber stamp for Illinois’ Democratic majority, signing 433 of 436 bills into law. Of those 436 bills that passed both chambers, 59 were introduced by Republicans.

Sebastian “Sam” Palumbo was banned from state and federal projects after he and several other construction firms were caught up in a massive fraud case in the 1990s that revealed taxpayers, and employees, were ripped off. Palumbo, a brother and their father did prison time.

The Illinois Municipal League says that, without this funding, many municipalities could face significant budget shortfall, possibly impacting services like public safety, public utilities, and infrastructure maintenance and repair.

Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, whose 7th House District includes the Broadview ICE facility, compared the fence outside the Broadview ICE facility to the Berlin Wall. “Just as the Berlin Wall did in 1961, this fence stands as a symbol of division,” Welch said. “This fence is a symbol of dividing families. This fence is a symbol of dividing communities. This fence is a symbol of dividing Americans, and this fence is a symbol of denying Americans constitutional rights.”

Sheila Weinberg, founder and CEO of Truth in Accounting, said Illinois leaders continue to rely on “political math” to claim balanced budgets while debt quietly piles up.

One issue that won’t be on the fall agenda is legislation to help the Chicago Bears build a new stadium in Arlington Heights. Senate President Don Harmon described this session as a “bye week” for stadium negotiations.

Appearing on ABC’s “This Week” after Vice President JD Vance, Gov. JB Pritzker said, “It’s true that the president says things and sometimes he follows through on those threats, and he certainly has the power of the presidency. He does not have the power to overcome the Constitution. And so, am I afraid? I am not afraid. Do I think that he could do it? He might. But as I’ve said before, come and get me.”