On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, Wisconsin voters will head to the polls to elect a new state Supreme Court Justice in a pivotal election. The race pits Judge Susan Crawford against Judge Brad Schimel, who are vying to replace retiring Justice Ann Walsh Bradley. With the court’s decisions rippling through the state’s legal, political and economic landscape, this election offers voters a stark contrast in judicial philosophy—one that could shape the future for businesses and communities alike.

While the legislative and executive branches often dominate headlines for their impact on Wisconsin’s business climate, the Supreme Court plays an equally vital role. As the final arbiter of how laws and regulations are interpreted and applied, the court’s seven justices wield significant influence over businesses, from labor policies to regulatory enforcement. The outcome of this election could either reinforce or reshape that dynamic.

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Governor JB Pritzker delivered his 7^th State of the State and Budget Address for Fiscal Year 2026 last week, to a joint session of the Illinois House and Senate. The speech included the following highlights:

Economic Progress and Fiscal Responsibility

• Illinois has paid down over $12 billion in debt, grown a $2 billion rainy-day fund, improved pension funding, and earned nine credit upgrades1.
• The state's economy has grown to over $1.1 trillion, ranking 5th in the US and 18th globally.
• Illinois is now ranked 2nd nationally for corporate expansions and relocations.

Budget Challenges and Proposals

• The FY26 budget is described as balanced and responsible, with new discretionary spending increasing by less than 1%.
• Revenue growth is projected at 1.9% for 2026, down from higher growth rates in previous years.
• The governor proposes cost-saving measures, including operational efficiencies and consolidation of funds.

Healthcare Initiatives

• Introduction of the Prescription Drug Affordability Act to regulate Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and reduce drug costs.
• Expansion of medical debt cancellation program, benefiting over 100,000 Illinoisans.
• Proposals to ban prior authorization for behavioral healthcare and require insurance reimbursement for travel costs to medical appointments in certain cases.

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