“Your Timely Roundup of Local, State, and Federal Updates”
Chamber members:
As we move into the month of October, that means the November general election will only be a month away. Early voting is already open here in Will County before the big day on Tuesday, November 3rd. You’ll have the opportunity to vote in the race for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Comptroller, Treasurer, Illinois House, Illinois Senate, and County offices with a few others in there as well.
No matter how and / or when you cast your vote, remember that just simply voting is of utmost importance.
*Government Affairs Roundup brought to you by CITGO*
Governor Pritzker Signals Data Center Legislation for Fall Veto Session
Governor JB Pritzker says Illinois lawmakers are expected to revisit data center policy during the General Assembly’s upcoming veto session, signaling continued momentum around an issue that has quickly moved to the forefront of state and local debate.
Speaking following an event in Monee, Pritzker pointed to the November session, scheduled for Nov. 17–19 and Dec. 1–3, as the likely window for action. Lawmakers are expected to consider what he referred to as the “Power Act,” a proposal still taking shape after months of stakeholder discussions.
The push comes amid growing scrutiny of data center development across Illinois and nationally. Concerns over energy consumption, water usage, and limited regulatory oversight have fueled opposition in several communities. In recent months, some municipalities have enacted bans on new projects, while Chicago officials are weighing a potential moratorium.
Earlier this year, Pritzker paused new applications for state data center tax incentives after the Legislature adjourned its regular session without advancing a regulatory framework. Since then, a legislative working group has continued meeting to craft a more comprehensive approach. While details remain fluid, prior proposals have included provisions tied to renewable energy investment, environmental standards, and community impact requirements.
At the core of the discussion is how to ensure large-scale facilities do not strain existing infrastructure or drive-up costs for residents. Proposed measures would require data center developers to supply or fund new energy capacity, ideally from clean sources, and implement closed-loop water systems to limit pressure on local supplies.
The governor also emphasized the importance of transparency and local input, noting that communities should have a clear voice in decisions about whether to host data center projects. “We want to make sure there’s transparency in these agreements and that residents have the opportunity to weigh in,” Pritzker said, adding that those principles are being incorporated into the legislation under development.
Despite rising public concern the path forward in Springfield remains complex. Key stakeholder groups hold competing priorities. Organized labor supports the construction jobs tied to data center expansion, while the industry itself is seeking relief from Illinois’ biometric privacy law, which has led to costly class-action settlements. Environmental advocates, meanwhile, are pushing for stricter limits on power and water use, warning that increased demand could undermine the state’s long-term clean energy goals.
Governor Pritzker acknowledged the balancing act, reiterating that any final proposal must protect consumers while allowing for responsible economic growth. “We want significant regulation,” he said. “But we also want to make sure we’re keeping people safe and holding down costs for families and businesses.”
At the same time, the administration is mindful of maintaining Illinois’ competitiveness. Data centers represent significant capital investment, job creation, and long-term tax revenue. The governor indicated the goal is not to discourage development outright, but to ensure projects come with the infrastructure and safeguards needed to support them.
“We’re not saying no across the board,” Pritzker said. “But we are saying that no one’s power bill or water bill should go up because of these projects. We’ll take whatever steps are necessary to prevent that.”
Illinois is not alone in grappling with these issues. The renewed push in Springfield follows recent action in California, where Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation requiring greater disclosure of energy and water use by data centers and placing limits on shifting costs to utility customers.
As Illinois heads into the fall veto session, the outcome of these negotiations will likely shape how the state balances economic opportunity with infrastructure capacity, environmental goals, and consumer protections in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the digital economy.
$4.6 Million Awarded to Boost Tourism Across Illinois
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced $4.6 million in grant funding to 49 grantees to attract visitors and support tourism across the Illinois. The awards include $2 million to support projects along Route 66, $2 million to market destinations and attractions across the state, and $654,000 to promote Illinois internationally.
“Millions of people visit Illinois every year, and we want them to experience more of what our state has to offer from Route 66 to the Chicago skyline,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “These grants will help local partners reach travelers across the country and around the world and show them what they can discover here in the Middle of Everything. More visitors mean more customers for our restaurants, hotels, and shops, supporting local jobs and businesses in communities throughout Illinois.”
“Anyone who has had the pleasure of traveling around the state knows that Illinois has something to offer everyone—from the beaches of Lake Michigan and the bustling streets of Chicago to the rolling prairies of Southern Illinois with lively Main Streets,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “These investments will help us share Illinois with the world while supporting our economy, small businesses, and communities right here at home.”
Under Governor Pritzker’s leadership, the State has prioritized making key investments in Illinois’ tourism industry to bring visitors to the state and drive economic growth. In fiscal year 2025, Illinois reached its highest-ever hotel revenue figures with $372 million and welcomed 115 million visitors who spent $50.2 billion.
The success of Illinois’ tourism sector is due to its commitment to supporting the industry as well as the Illinois Office of Tourism’s award-winning “Middle of Everything” campaign. Since it launched in 2022, the campaign has made significant annual contributions to the state. In 2025 the campaign generated an additional 2.8 million trips equaling more than an additional $900 million spent in Illinois hotels, restaurants, small businesses, and attractions, according to data from Longwoods International. Every $1 spent on the campaign equated to $81 in visitor spending while generating $9 in direct state and local tax revenue – an enormous return on investment.
“Tourism is a vital part of Illinois’ economy, supporting businesses, creating jobs, and driving economic activity in communities across our state,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Through these grants, we’re investing in efforts to help Illinois build on the tremendous momentum of our tourism industry and ensure communities across the state benefit from the billions of dollars visitors spend each year.”
“Tourism is a powerful economic engine for Illinois, generating visitor spending, supporting jobs, strengthening small businesses and producing critical state and local tax revenues in communities across Illinois,” said Cory Jobe, Chair, Illinois Destinations Association. “These grant investments help Illinois destinations compete for visitors, extend stays and turn increased visitation into greater economic impact. As we build on the historic momentum of the Route 66 Centennial and expand Illinois’ presence in domestic and international markets, continued investment in tourism is an investment in the economic strength and competitiveness of our entire state.”
The $2 million Route 66 Grant Program supports projects that promote, develop and preserve destinations along the Illinois Route 66 corridor during the highway’s centennial year. Designated in 1926, Route 66 remains an important part of Illinois’ history and a draw for travelers. The full list of this round’s grant recipients can be found here.
The International Tourism Grant Program will increase international travel to Illinois through marketing efforts directed to identified target markets that include Mexico, Canada, UK/Ireland, Germany, and German-speaking regions in Austria and Switzerland, with targeted, bespoke programming in India and Japan. The full list of this round’s grant recipients can be found here.
Through the Tourism Marketing Partnership Grant Program, DCEO will provide matching grants to assist in the promotion of tourism attractions, destinations, and events in Illinois. Grant funding will help tourism partners market their attractions and events to increase visitation by both business and leisure travelers in order to increase overnight stays in Illinois. The full list of this round’s grant recipients can be found here.
“Chicago is Illinois’ front door to the world, welcoming visitors from across the country and around the globe who stay in our hotels, dine at our restaurants, shop at our small businesses, and experience everything our city and state have to offer,” said Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D – Chicago). “These investments will help ensure that visitors discover the communities, historic destinations, and cultural experiences that make our state unique.”
U.S. Senate Advances College Sports Overhaul; House Outlook Uncertain
The U.S. Senate approved bipartisan legislation Monday aimed at bringing stability to the rapidly changing college athletics landscape, creating a single federal framework for student-athlete compensation, transfers, and eligibility.
The “Protect College Sports Act,” led by Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz and Sen. Maria Cantwell, would replace a patchwork of state laws and court rulings that have created uneven rules across the country. Supporters say a national standard is needed to provide clarity for institutions, protect opportunities for student-athletes, and preserve non-revenue and Olympic sports programs.
From a business and higher education perspective, the proposal seeks to curb escalating costs and uncertainty that are increasingly impacting university budgets, tuition allocation, and long-term planning. Lawmakers backing the bill argue the current system has become financially unsustainable, with bidding wars for talent and shifting regulations forcing difficult program decisions.
However, the measure faces significant headwinds in the House. Concerns range from potential limits on athlete compensation and questions around governance, to broader issues such as federal overreach into college athletics.
Opponents also argue the legislation does not go far enough in addressing athlete protections, including health care and long-term financial equity, while others question whether Congress should prioritize this issue amid broader economic pressures.
For employers, institutions, and communities, particularly those tied to collegiate sports, the outcome will be closely watched. A consistent national policy could provide greater predictability for universities and related local economies, but continued uncertainty remains until the House determines next steps.
President Trump has indicated he would sign the bill if it reached his desk, though timing and final passage remain unclear.
Stay well,
Mike Paone
Executive Vice President
Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry
mpaone@jolietchamber.com
815.727.5371 main
815.727.5373 direct