Illinois Quick Hits: Freedom Caucus urges DOJ investigation of Illinois

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – The Illinois Freedom Caucus is calling on the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate whether the Illinois Department of Human Services facilitated noncitizen voter registration.

The Freedom Caucus’ move follows IDHS officials’ recent testimony during an Illinois Senate hearing that voter registration packets were mailed to individuals who were not U.S. citizens as part of an immigrant benefits program.

State Rep. Adam Niemerg, R-Dieterich, said on the Illinois House floor that noncitizens could easily fill out the documents and send them to county clerks, who by state law are not allowed to check immigration status.

CITY COUNCIL APPROVES TAX BREAK FOR UC OWNERS

The Chicago City Council has approved $54.7 million property tax breaks for the Chicago Blackhawks and Bulls owners to develop the area around the United Center.

The incentives apply only to the first phase of The 1901 Project that was announced in 2024. After Wednesday’s council meeting, Mayor Brandon Johnson refused to rule out additional property tax breaks for future phases of the development.

MAYOR INDICATES NO VETO OF CHICAGO TIP CREDIT FREEZE

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has indicated that he will not veto a two-year freeze on the city’s plan to sunset its tipped wage structure, even though he would prefer to ensure pay raises for workers.

The Illinois Restaurant Association thanked the city council for approving the ordinance on Wednesday. A

ccording to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Chicago’s full-service dining sector lost 2,100 jobs over the last year.

BAILEY APOLOGIZES TO CHICAGO, PRITZKER

Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey has apologized to the people of Chicago after he called the city a “hellhole” during his 2022 campaign for governor.

Bailey spoke during the city council’s public comment period on Wednesday and said he recently moved to Chicago.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s campaign said in a statement that Bailey has a long way to go.

NO LIONS, TIGERS, BEARS IN TRAVELING ACTS

The Illinois legislature has passed a bill banning the use of big cats, primates and bears in circuses, fairs and other events.

House Bill 4255 cleared the state Senate on Wednesday by a vote of 51-4 and now heads to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk.

In 2017, Illinois became the first state in the country to ban the use of elephants in circuses and other traveling acts.