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Illinois lawmakers prep for lame-duck session

As of Monday, multiple capitol sources said the measure appears to be in good shape, with lawmakers fine-tuning what type of oversight they’d have on the fund, which could hit $1 billion. Sources say the governor and aides have been regularly meeting with Stellantis and that Pritzker recently sat down with the local United Auto Workers union.

Also percolating: a measure that would give workers statewide seven paid days off a year for sick leave, family emergencies, etc. Business groups supported the measure because, as originally drafted, it would have preempted even stronger requirements elsewhere, like in Chicago, which could raise its current 5-day mandate. But the latest word is the preemption clause is out at the request of organized labor but over the opposition of business.

Look for more clarity on this later this week along as well as support for the proposed assault weapons ban and related gun-control steps that Pritzker wants. And, of course, more on the legal fight over the SAFE-T Act’s cash bail provision.

At City Hall, all nine major mayoral candidates will be on the February ballot after a series of petition challenges were dropped. Four of the five poll leaders each bolstered their fundraising over the holidays:

  • Mayor Lori Lightfoot added $200,000, including $77,000 from Cubs co-owner Laura Ricketts.
  • County Commissioner Brandon Johnson reported $230,000, including $200,000 from SEIU Healthcare.
  • US Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia reported $150,000.
  • And former schools chief Paul Vallas reported around $71,000.

The fifth, businessman Willie Wilson, is self-financed.

And don’t be surprised if Lightfoot tries to squeeze every bit of support from Vice President Kamala Harris’ scheduled visit to the city on Wednesday.

Finally, in Washington, the big story will be whether GOP Rep. Kevin McCarthy can suppress a right-wing revolt and get himself elected speaker. Local Democrats are hoping for chaos.

In a related fight—whether to reelect national GOP Chair Ronna McDaniel or dump her for a Donald Trump loyalist—Illinois’ top two Republicans, state Chairman Don Tracey and GOP National Committeeman Richard Porter, side with McDaniel, a spokesman says.

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