State tax collections surpassed expectations during pandemic, report shows 

The financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Illinois’ revenue was not as bad as once anticipated, according to new report from the University of Illinois’ Institute of Government and Public Affairs.  

While the state saw significant losses in revenue last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, residents “began to adapt their behavior,” which generated higher-than-anticipated spending, according to the report, which was released Tuesday. As a result, Illinois’ finances were more stable during the second half of 2020 than in the early months of the year.  

Welch announces House committee chairs, new committees tackling ethics, restorative justice 

Making one of his first major decisions since being voted into leadership, House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) named the chairs of 43 committees Thursday while creating a few new ones aimed at reflecting his priorities.  

In an interview with The Daily Line, Welch said the committee assignments highlighted the “talented bench” of the House Democratic Caucus.   

News in brief: State buys West Loop property; House lawmakers urge Pritzker to veto criminal justice bill; Illinois Gaming Board lobs warning on illegal Super Bowl bets 

News in brief: House set to delay return; Peters to chair new permanent Sente committee Via @joelebert29

Madigan raised more than $1M after string of ComEd indictments, records show 

In the weeks after four former Commonwealth Edison executives and lobbyists were charged in an alleged bribery conspiracy and before former House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) halted his bid for a 19th term, the powerful South Side Democrat continued to rake in money, campaign finance records show.  

Last month, Madigan’s personal campaign committee, known as Friends of Michael J. Madigan, received more than $1 million, according to his most recent financial disclosure.  

News in brief: Turner appointed to Senate; Durkin announces House GOP leadership team; State launches vaccination website  

Pritzker defends state’s vaccine distribution efforts as Illinois falls behind other states 

Marking the start of Illinois’ next phase of COVID-19 vaccine distribution, Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday celebrated the opening of a new mass vaccination site in a southwest suburb of Chicago while defending the state’s approach to coordinating immunizations. 

Appearing at the new vaccination site at the Tinley Park Convention Center, Pritzker heralded the state’s early vaccination efforts. “Nearly three-quarters of a million doses of vaccine have been administered in Illinois already,” he said, calling the start of Phase 1B, which began Monday, “an exciting development.” 

Pritzker urges caution as regions loosen restrictions, vaccine distribution remains slow

Even as new strains of COVID-19 have entered Illinois in recent weeks and vaccine distribution  remains sluggish, the state is moving forward with easing restrictions on businesses and gatherings. 

But state leaders are warning the increased mitigation measures could be back if residents aren’t cautious.  

News in brief: Senate delays return to session; Welch announces House Democrats’ leadership team