Lobbyist Updates: State Session Resumes; Transit Safety Concerns Raised

Will County Board Legislative Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026

Article Summary: State lobbyists briefed the Will County Legislative Committee on the upcoming General Assembly session, noting a likely focus on the budget and data center energy needs. During the discussion, Member Julie Berkowicz raised concerns about crime on mass transit systems and the lack of safety mandates in recent legislation.

State Legislative Update Key Points:

• Session Schedule: The Illinois General Assembly resumes mid-January, with a lighter schedule expected before the March 17 primary election.

• Key Issues: The session will focus on the state budget and potential legislation regarding power requirements for data centers.

• Transit Safety: Member Julie Berkowicz criticized the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) reform plan for failing to mandate stronger public safety measures on trains and buses.

• Legislative Outlook: Lobbyists indicated that further mass transit safety bills are unlikely to pass this spring following the comprehensive overhaul approved in October.

JOLIET, Ill. — With the Illinois General Assembly set to reconvene, Will County lobbyists provided a forecast for the spring session during the January 6, 2026, Legislative Committee meeting.

Lobbyist Matt noted that because 2026 is an election year with a primary on March 17, the early part of the session will likely be quiet, followed by a “frenetically paced” second half focused on the state budget. He also predicted a legislative push regarding the powering of data centers, an issue that remains unresolved between labor and environmental groups.

Board Member Julie Berkowicz (R-Naperville) pivoted the discussion to mass transit, expressing frustration that recent state legislation overhauling the RTA did not mandate stronger police presence to address crime on the CTA and Metra systems.

“The suburban collar counties… are now bailing out the mass transit in the city,” Berkowicz said. “We have a vested interest in this now because we’re unwilling taxpayers to bail out this system.”

Berkowicz cited personal experiences of avoiding trains due to safety concerns and argued that revenue cannot increase if riders are afraid to use the system.

In response, the lobbyist advised that because the legislature passed a comprehensive transit bill in October, they are unlikely to revisit the issue or add new mandates during the spring session. He suggested that if the board wishes to pursue this, they would need to draft specific requirements and find a legislative sponsor, though passage would be difficult.

The committee unanimously approved the 2026 State Legislative Agenda as presented.