Overview
- Negotiators are working to close a roughly $200 million–$230 million 2026 operating gap for CTA, Metra and Pace as the fall veto session ends Thursday.
- House Democrats outlined a revenue menu targeting about $1.5 billion that includes a proposed 7% amusement tax on streaming services, a boosted sales tax, expanded speed cameras and a tax on unrealized gains for billionaires.
- The House plan largely rejects the Senate’s May package built on a $1.50-per-package delivery fee and higher ride-hail surcharges, which Senate supporters still urge the House to adopt.
- Leaders say governance changes are expected, with discussions centering on a more powerful Northern Illinois Transit Authority to tie new funding to oversight and service improvements.
- Transit workers are canvassing to warn of potential service cuts and layoffs, business groups and platforms oppose new surcharges, Republican leaders call for reforms before revenue, and Gov. J.B. Pritzker is deferring to lawmakers on the funding mix.