To stay updated on Governor Pritzker’s most recent press conferences, please visit the Governor’s Twitter page @GovPritzker or the Governor’s Facebook page @GovPritzker for the latest livestreams. Downloadable video footage of press conferences can also be accessed at the following link: https://cms.illinois.gov/agency/media/video/videos.html 

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To stay updated on Governor Pritzker’s most recent press conferences, please visit the Governor’s Twitter page @GovPritzker or the Governor’s...

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Communities across Illinois are still waiting on federal support for recovery efforts 

Trump Administration Denies Illinois Request for Emergency Assistance After Severe August Storms 

SPRINGFIELD – The Trump Administration’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has officially denied the State of Illinois’ request for a major disaster declaration after severe storms, derecho, flooding, and tornadoes devastated communities across the state this August. In a letter dated October 7th, Trump’s FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton stated that assistance for affected counties was “not warranted.”

LFIG grant program bolsters food access and supports farmers and organizations that feed Illinoisans

Gov. Pritzker Announces $1.8 Million in Grant Funds for Local Food Infrastructure Across Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) today announced $1.8 million in available funding for the Local Food Infrastructure Grants (LFIG) program. This funding bolsters food access in Illinois and supports items such as refrigerated vehicles, livestock processing, community kitchens, and more. These grants strengthen local and regional food supply chains, which increases access to Illinois agricultural products for communities across the state.

Illinois hosted the second annual Governors’ Summit on the State of PJM where governors unanimously signed an MOU to formalize collective efforts to lower energy costs

Gov. Pritzker & Bipartisan Governors Formalize Collective to Hold PJM Accountable

CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker welcomed a bipartisan group of 13 governors and the Mayor of D.C. to Illinois to the 2026 Governors’ Summit on the State of PJM. During the remarks, the Governor announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that formally establishes the PJM Governors’ Collaborative, a multistate, bipartisan organization designed to strengthen states’ collaboration as they work to reduce costs for working families and strengthen grid reliability for the region’s electric system operated by PJM. The power grid operator is responsible for managing the flow of electricity across all or parts of 13 states, including northern Illinois. Its decisions affect the reliability of the electric grid and the electricity costs paid by millions of families and businesses. Governor Pritzker has been a leading advocate for states to have a greater role in PJM decision-making.

What: Governor Pritzker will deliver remarks at the 2026 Governors' Summit the State of PJM Interconnection in Chicago.

Daily Public Schedule: Thursday, October 8, 2026

Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) pilot loan program will make financing more affordable and give farmers greater flexibility to manage and market their grain harvest

Gov. Pritzker Announces Grain Storage Loan Program to Support Illinois Farmers

GARDNER – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) announced the launch of a pilot loan program to assist farmers across the state by connecting them with the capital needed to construct on-site grain storage facilities. The low-interest loan program will reduce the long-term costs of remote storage and improve overall harvest efficiency. The announcement builds on the Governor’s efforts to support Illinois farm families facing rising input costs, damaging tariffs, and economic uncertainty.

Following the Governor’s trade mission to Mexico, company will create 50 new jobs while bringing more electrical cable production to Illinois

Gov. Pritzker Announces $55 Million Viakable Manufacturing Expansion in La Salle

LA SALLE – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that Viakable will invest $55 million to expand their manufacturing facilities in La Salle, where the company has been located since 2018. The company’s investment will create 50 new full-time jobs and retain 65 existing full-time positions, reinforcing Viakable’s commitment to growing in Illinois.

What: Governor Pritzker will make an Illinois Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) announcement with Xignux.

Daily Public Schedule: Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Disaster Proclamation and Executive Order provide relief on diesel fuel costs to mitigate impacts of Trump Administration’s war in Iran and harmful economic policies

Gov. Pritzker Implements Emergency Support for Illinois Farmers Affected by Rising Fuel Costs

CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker issued a state disaster proclamation and signed Executive Order 2026-08 to provide relief on diesel fuel costs for the agriculture industry during the fall harvest season as part of his continued efforts to support Illinois farmers.

Illinois State Fairs are ranked among the most affordable in the Midwest

Gov. Pritzker Announces 2026 State Fairs’ Attendance Tops 1 Million for Second Consecutive Year

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Today, Governor JB Pritzker announced attendance totals for the 2026 State Fairs exceeded 1 million for the second consecutive year. With an average cost of $145 for a family of four, the fairs are also ranked among the most affordable state fairs in the Midwest. This estimate includes parking, tickets, two ride passes, and food. Further, Du Quoin set a new attendance record and Springfield Grandstand ticket sales topped 72,000 reaching an all-time high – topping the record set in 2024.

Governor Pritzker has no public events scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, 2026.