Chicago Tonight: Black Voices
Illinois' New Legislative Session Begins
Clip: 1/8/2025 | 3m 56sVideo has Closed Captions
The 104th General Assembly was inaugurated.
Democrats still dominate and can pass measures without Republicans' help. Illinois is staring down a nearly $3 billion projected budget shortfall.
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Chicago Tonight: Black Voices is a local public television program presented by WTTW
Chicago Tonight: Black Voices
Illinois' New Legislative Session Begins
Clip: 1/8/2025 | 3m 56sVideo has Closed Captions
Democrats still dominate and can pass measures without Republicans' help. Illinois is staring down a nearly $3 billion projected budget shortfall.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship>> It is a new day in the state Capitol where today the next group of state lawmakers were sworn into office and of he joins us now with more about the year ahead for yes, Brandis today's inauguration of the 100th General Assembly reminded me of that saying what's old is new again, the legislature does have new members and they will be starting from scratch when it comes to introducing and passing bills.
But on the other hand, a lot is staying the same.
The partisan makeup of the Legislature, change.
Democrats still dominate can pass measures without need for any Republican help.
And then there's the issue of the state's finances back in a rough spot, Illinois staring down heading to close a projected 3 billion dollar deficit.
>> We're all in this together.
And if you read media clips or financial reports, that might be a tough year ahead.
We will face stressful moments.
So I am challenging myself and everyone here.
To be the better leaders of our state, to treat everyone with decency and respect.
>> any insight as to what they're going to do about that.
Not a lot.
Reporters did ask Governor JB Pritzker about it and he promised to present a balanced budget next month with more details.
>> That's certainly not the first thing my list is the new man tax increases and think looking how we can manage balancing the budget within our means.
>> The speaker of the House gave a small hint about his priorities during his inauguration speech.
>> The people who sent you here.
gave us this moment, they expect us to move forward as one.
People from Chicago to Carbondale want Smart and sustainable investments in the resources that help people be their best.
Because they don't want to choose between a compassion is state and a responsible state.
>> In an apparent reference to Trump and Megan Line policies.
Speaker Welsh also said that school cruel and repressive policies that to humanize neighbors were strip away fundamental freedoms.
We'll have no home in Illinois otherwise.
Well, just speech focused a lot on unity.
The House minority leader says she was naive to believe Welch's promises of unity 2 years ago when she became leader and not anymore.
She says Democrats polled moves like passing a law that has since been found illegal to alter election rules in an attempt to stifle competition for the into the best the gimmicks of election interference by the majority party must be permanently ended in Illinois.
Illinois has always been a state of possibilities.
>> But one party control has stifled that success.
She says House Republicans will this year focus on growing the economy and no new taxes.
>> Things were a bit more diplomatic from a bipartisan point of view over in the Senate.
>> And I look forward to that continued inclusion in the upcoming session.
Represent.
The geographic majority of the state.
And we.
Have a lot to offer.
>> big unknown for state legislators is how Trump's return to the White House will impact Illinois and the state's budget.
There was talk about passing measures during this week's lame duck session in the final days for the former General Assembly to help to quote Trump proof Illinois.
Now that did not happen.
No measures passed during lame-duck.
Now Pritzker's office says that that is because Illinois already passed a lot of laws over the past couple of years after Trump's first term.
The governor does say, though, that his administration and majority Democrats are ready to react, should they need to as Trump returns for a second.
Bill Makes It Easier for Kids in Foster Care to Live With Relatives
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Clip: 1/8/2025 | 8m 34s | The KIND Act unanimously cleared the Illinois Senate and House. (8m 34s)
New Program Connects Pregnant Patients With Free Doula Services
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Clip: 1/8/2025 | 8m 26s | Black maternal morbidity is up in Illinois. Cook County is working to change that. (8m 26s)
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Chicago Tonight: Black Voices is a local public television program presented by WTTW