Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (5/20)

May 20, 2024

ILLINOIS

| AROUND THE STATE

Lawmakers set to wrangle over tax hikes, insurance reforms in final days of session

“Tax increases on sportsbooks and corporations, which Pritzker’s office says are needed to both balance the budget and maintain the state’s trend of credit upgrades, could be sticking points as legislators negotiate the governor’s $52.7 billion budget proposal. Acknowledging pushback from lawmakers, many of whom are up for reelection in November, the governor’s office has warned state agencies to prepare for cuts to an array of state services,” by the Chicago Tribune.

HFS and CDB Announce Unprecedented Grant Opportunity for Healthcare Transformation Capital Improvement Projects

“The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) and the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) are announcing an unprecedented Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) as part of the Healthcare Transformation Capital Investment Grant program, which aims to provide funding to capital projects that will address health-related social needs and reduce disparities in healthcare in historically underserved communities,” from the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

Pritzker plays coy on presidential ambitions at City Club

“In his first appearance with the City Club of Chicago since he imposed a ban on state officials participating in the public affairs group’s events, Gov. J.B. Pritzker danced around questions over his next campaign,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

County board approves two ARPA-funded pilot programs for prospective homeowners

“The Cook County Board of Commissioners approved resolutions to authorize two affordable housing pilot programs worth a cumulative $15 million during its regular meeting Thursday. The first program (24-2513) will be a $3 million pilot that will provide prospective homeowners with down payment assistance or assistance with closing costs or buydowns on mortgages. The other pilot (24-2735) will be a $12 million effort for the construction of single-family modular homes,” by The Daily Line.

Budget committee to vote on code changes for Council Office of Financial Analysis directors; County Board to honor Yarbrough at special meeting

“The City Council budget committee will consider changing its term limits for directors of the council’s financial analysis office, and the Cook County Board will honor the recently deceased county clerk during a special meeting,” by The Daily Line.

CHICAGO

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Johnson hints at a new tax on professional services

“Chicago is a safer investment than the ratings agencies give it credit for, city officials told municipal bond investors today. City Chief Financial Officer Jill Jaworski said recent policy changes to shore up the city’s beleaguered pension plans will continue through Mayor Brandon Johnson’s first term and Chicago’s diverse economy will fuel the growth necessary to buffer the city’s tax base,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

ShotSpotter Showdown Set Amid Fierce Debate Over Value of Gunshot Detection System

“The debate that has raged for months over whether ShotSpotter is an irreplaceable tool in the fight against gun violence on Chicago’s West and South sides or a waste of taxpayer funds that actually makes Black and Latino Chicagoans less safe is set to reach a crescendo Wednesday,” by WTTW.

FEDERAL

Beltway Briefing: The Vilification of Politics

The vilification of politics creates a perception that nothing gets done in Washington. While Congress often appears dysfunctional, it continues to govern, quietly advancing bipartisan, critical pieces of legislation. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and Towner French.

Listen to the Beltway Briefing here.

If you have any questions regarding this update or if you’re interested in ways to engage on these issues, please contact one of our team members here

Authors

About Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, an affiliate of the international law firm Cozen O’Connor, is a bipartisan government relations practice representing clients before the federal government and in cities and states throughout the country. With offices in Washington D.C., Richmond, Albany, New York City, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Chicago, and Santa Monica, the firm’s public strategies professionals offer a full complement of government affairs services, including legislative and executive branch advocacy, policy analysis, assistance with government procurement and funding programs, and crisis management. Its client base spans multiple industries, including healthcare, transportation, hospitality, education, construction, energy, real estate, entertainment, financial services, and insurance.

About Cozen O’Connor

Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 775 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle-market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 31 offices across two continents.

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