by BRIAN NADIG

Some key issues — such as mass transit and pension debt reforms — were not settled in the 2025 Illinois legislative session, but progress was nevertheless made, according to state Senator Robert Martwick (D-10).
“We didn’t get across the finish line, but we did a lot of work,” setting the stage for future approval, Martwick said. He added that delays can be common.

“Most of the legislation I’ve passed has taken years, years to pass,” Martwick said at the June 12 meeting of the Jefferson Park Chamber of Commerce. The meeting was held at the Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave.

“There was widespread agreement on transit reform, (but there is) fear of losing federal commitments,” Martwick said of the Trump administration’s threats to states and cities that they’ll lose federal funds if they don’t drop their sanctuary status or adhere to other demands. “It’s a difficult time in our country.”

The Regional Transportation Authority has estimated that an additional $1.5 billion would be needed to cover any budgetary shortfall and make the necessary improvements in safety, service and overall performance. In recent years area transit agencies relied on federal pandemic relief dollars but those funds are running out.

Transit agencies are telling legislators that a 40-percent cutback in service is possible if this “fiscal cliff” is not addressed, Martwick said. “Transit is the lifeblood of our economy.”

Under consideration is renaming the RTA the “Northern Illinois Transit Authority” and granting it more authority to set fares and schedules throughout the Chicago area.

State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-8) has suggested that the state institute $1.50 tax on food and package deliveries to help fund transit.

Martwick also discussed his disappointment that a solution to the Tier 2 pension problem was not approved. Better management of pension debt is needed given the huge financial burden it places on governments, he said.

In the last session legislation, no increases in the state income or corporation taxes were approved, but measures were taken to close loopholes that some large corporations were taking advantage of by setting up “tax havens” outside of the state, Martwick said.

“People were finding ways to avoid paying taxes,” and this leads to other taxpayers making up the difference, Martwick said.

The legislature did okay tax increases on gaming and cannabis in an effort to help balance the $55 billion state budget. “It’s what we call ‘choice taxes,’” since no one is required to gamble or use cannabis, Martwick said.

Meanwhile the state is continuing to fund an annual increase of $350 million for education.

In 2017, Illinois ranked 50th in state funding in education, and this places a higher burden on property tax revenue to pay for schools, Martwick said. “It’s very inequitable,” especially for lower-income communities, he said.

“We’ve moved up from the bottom. … we’re in the 40s,” while easing the “pressure on property taxes,” he said.

“The number one government expense (on citizens) is property taxes, whether you rent or own,” as landlords work the cost of taxes into the lease, Martwick said.

Martwick and state Representative Lindsey LaPointe (D-19) will hold a town hall to discuss the legislative session from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, at the Irish-American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave. Those seeking to attend are asked to register at info@senatormartwick.com

Editor’s note: Nadig Newspapers publisher Brian Nadig is president of the Jefferson Park Chamber of Commerce.