Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (6/7)

June 7, 2024

ILLINOIS

Pritzker signs bond authorization, Medicaid omnibus, and revenue bills

Gov. JB Pritzker Friday signed the bond authorization law (HB 4582), the Medicaid omnibus (SB 3268), and the revenue omnibus (HB 4951) bills.

| AROUND THE STATE

Arlington Heights trustee tapped for 53rd District House seat

“A panel of Northwest suburban Democratic leaders picked Arlington Heights village Trustee Nicolle Grasse as the new state representative for the 53rd District,” by The Daily Herald.

Pritzker Administration Announces Federal Funding for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics

“Illinois has been selected as one of ten states to participate in the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Medicaid Demonstration Program designed to expand and improve access to coordinated mental health care and substance use services, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced this week,” from the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

Giannoulias provides grants to 20 central Illinois libraries for technology improvements

“The Illinois Secretary of State’s office is providing $2 million in grants to improve library technology. Nearly 20 libraries throughout central Illinois will benefit from the new funding,” by WAND TV.

CHICAGO

Johnson announces Chicago’s paid time off ordinance, minimum wage increase, and Fair Workweek enhancements take effect July 1

Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), announced the scheduled annual increase in Chicago’s minimum wage, implementation of the Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave Ordinance, and a scheduled enhancement of the Fair Workweek Ordinance requirements. A press release with additional details can be found here.

To prepare employers for the upcoming changes to Chicago’s Labor Standards Laws, BACP will host a free informational webinar on Tuesday, June 11 at 10:00 a.m. titled “Overview of Chicago’s Minimum Wage Ordinance, Including Annual Increase and Step 1 of the phase out of the Tipped Wage Credit.” Participants can register here.

Informational flyers, Frequently Asked Questions, and public notices on Chicago’s labor laws, can be found at Chicago.gov/LaborStandards.

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

City Hall trying to cut deal with protesters, avoid legal battle as Democratic convention nears

“City attorneys are trying to strike a deal with groups suing to protest near the United Center during the Democratic National Convention, with a little more than two months to go before Chicago becomes the center of the political universe for a few days in August,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Ethics ordinance against campaign contributions to mayoral candidates advances in City Council 

“City Hall lobbyists could soon face stiffer penalties for giving money to mayoral campaigns under a proposed ordinance spurred by allegations of improper contributions to Mayor Brandon Johnson’s campaign,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Chicago’s homeless population increased threefold, a city snapshot shows, owing largely to migrants

“The city’s annual point-in-time count showed nearly 19,000 people were unhoused on a single night in January,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Housing committee approves renewed CHA agreement for tenant grievance hearings, $8.7M in bonds to finance affordable housing in Humboldt Park

“The City Council Committee on Housing and Real Estate on Wednesday approved a measure to continue to allow the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) to use city hearing officers for its tenant grievance process after the measure was held last month,” by The Daily Line.

Chicago Park District expands free internet access in parks

“As a continuation of the broadband and digital equity initiative, the Chicago Park District announced [Thursday] the expansion of free Wi-Fi access in public parks,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Mayor Brandon Johnson, Chicago Department of Family and Support Services Announce $600,000 for Dozens of Community-based, Youth-serving Organizations 

“Over 60 small grants will be administered by SGA Youth & Family Services (SGA) through the My CHI. My Future. Micro-Grant Program,” from the Office of Mayor Brandon Johnson.

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: When Getting Rusty is a Good Thing

As much as the whole country can’t help but tune in to former President Trump’s guilty verdict, the fact is that the political ramifications only matter insofar as they may swing three states.

The Biden administration issued its final rule on worker classification earlier this year, but the policy debate over the gig economy continues on the state and local levels and in the courts.

With an expiration of last year’s one-year extension of the farm bill looming on September 30, Congress is putting some work into passing a long-term bill, but getting there may take until 2025.

Read the Cozen Currents article 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.

Explore Articles and News

See All News