Illinois Quick Hits: House GOP says no Bears deal without property tax reform

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Illinois House Republicans say they will not support any Chicago Bears stadium deal or megaprojects legislation without statewide property tax relief.

In a letter to Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the General Assembly, the GOP state reps said they want property tax referendums to appear only on November ballots, and they want an end to back door referendums or bond rollovers that allow governments to raise taxes without asking voters.

HOUSE PASSES PET SHELTER TRANSPARENCY BILL

The Illinois House has unanimously passed legislation that requires shelters and rescues to provide transparency on where dogs available for adoption are sourced from.

Protect Our Pets Illinois said House Bill 3648 will combat the practice of rescues purchasing dogs from out-of-state breeders or auctions before transporting them back to Illinois.

CHICAGO INSPECTOR GENERAL CALLS FOR FORMAL POLICE POLICY

The Chicago Office of Inspector General says the city’s police department should adopt a formal policy to address relieving members of police powers during misconduct investigations.

An OIG inquiry found that CPD risks inconsistency in decision-making and said its processes are minimally documented.

Inspector General Deborah Witzburg said the department must balance its obligations for public safety and accountability with the personal and professional costs to CPD members.