This year’s schedule was unlike any in recent memory. While legislative sessions are always demanding, the greatest challenge was not the number of days lawmakers worked, but rather how those days were structured. Over a five-month period, the Illinois House and Senate were in session together for just 31 days. Eighteen of those days occurred during May alone as lawmakers rushed toward adjournment.
When the two chambers do not meet on the same days, it creates inefficiencies throughout the legislative process. Residents seeking to engage with their government often must make multiple trips to Springfield, taking additional time away from work and family responsibilities. Advocacy organizations, local governments, and stakeholders from across Illinois face increased costs for transportation, lodging, and staffing due to the chambers not meeting on the same day.
At the BGA, we believe government works best when it is accessible to the people it serves. We urge legislative leaders to adopt a schedule that better aligns the work of both chambers and makes participation in government more practical for Illinois residents.
Despite these challenges, there were several noteworthy developments this session.
For the first time, the Illinois House established a dedicated subcommittee focused on the Open Meetings Act and the Freedom of Information Act. The creation of this committee reflects the seriousness of ongoing efforts to amend Illinois’ transparency laws. While modernization and improvements can be beneficial, changes to FOIA must be approached carefully. Poorly crafted amendments can weaken public access to information and diminish government transparency. The BGA was heavily involved in discussions and negotiations surrounding FOIA legislation throughout the session. Although no major FOIA legislation ultimately passed, the volume and seriousness of the conversations make it clear that transparency laws will remain a significant topic of debate moving forward.
As those discussions continue, the BGA will remain at the table advocating for reforms that strengthen, rather than weaken, the public’s right to know.
Pension reform, on the other hand, was largely absent from the General Assembly’s agenda this year. Illinois’ long-term pension challenges remain unresolved, and the BGA will continue advocating for practical, responsible solutions that protect taxpayers.
As we move into the summer, our priorities remain unchanged: transparency, accountability, and equity in government. While the legislative session has concluded, our work continues. We look forward to continuing discussions with lawmakers and legislative staff regarding commitments made by both chambers to improve public access to legislative proceedings through more robust and transparent online archives. The BGA will remain engaged on these issues and others, working to ensure that Illinois residents have a government that is open, accessible, and accountable to the people it serves.
