Illinois Chamber of Commerce CEO Lou Sandoval. [Provided by Illinois Chamber of Commerce] 

Businesses have a new top advocate in Springfield as Lou Sandoval took the reins as president and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce on Monday.  

Largely a newcomer to politics, Sandoval is looking to take his long career as a top business executive and guide lawmakers on pushing business friendly policies to help more businesses choose Illinois as their home.  

Candidates for the General Assembly, Congress and judges wait in line at the State Board of Elections on Monday. [Ben Szalinski/The Daily Line]   

Several primaries are already taking shape for the 2024 election after the first two days of filing with incumbent politicians forced to defend their seat from a fellow member of their party and newcomers hoping to take advantage of an open seat.

Candidates for office line up outside the State Board of Elections in Springfield on Monday morning. [Ben Szalinski/The Daily Line] 

The 2024 election season is officially underway as candidates began filing petitions to run for office on Monday, shaping up various primaries including some key races for Congress.  

The State Board of Elections  

Long-time elected officials, political operatives, and newcomers to the world of politics hoping for a victorious 2024 are lined up outside the State Board of Elections in Springfield on Monday hoping to file nominating petitions for the 2024 election.  

Sen. Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) speaks in the Senate Labor Committee on Nov. 8. [Blue Room Stream] 

Illinois lawmakers are discussing legislation that would require warehouse companies to provide employees with a written description of their quotas and expectations employees are expected to meet at the job as lawmakers hope to give more logistical employees time for breaks. 

Gov. JB Pritzker signs the Fiscal Year 2024 budget in June. [Ben Szalinski/The Daily Line]   

Even with upward revisions in the state’s revenue forecast for Fiscal Year 2024, a new state report shows budget deficits continue to remain possible in future years based on the current trajectory of spending and revenue.

Rep. Amy Elik (R-Alton) participates in the Legislative Audit Commission on Nov. 7. [Blue Room Stream] 

The Illinois Auditor General will conduct an audit of the state’s two healthcare programs that provide healthcare coverage for people over age 42 as costs for the program continue to exceed budget limits.  

Gov. JB Pritzker speaks at a news conference in Chicago on Thursday. [Gov. JB Pritzker/Facebook] 

The state announced a new plan on Thursday to assist asylum seekers arriving in Chicago in an effort to get more people into winter-safe shelters and resources they need to move out of the shelters. 

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) issued rulings on Thursday on proposed rate hikes in 2024 by Illinois gas companies. And new data from the Department of Employment Security shows unemployment is increasing in Illinois.  

The Illinois Commerce Commission will rule on gas rate hikes on Thursday.    

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) will decide on Thursday if most Illinois residents who receive natural gas to their homes and businesses will see higher rates next year.