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Illinois Insights: An update from Cozen O’Connor (11/4)

November 4, 2024

ILLINOIS

Illinois expects to face a $3 billion budget shortfall in 2026

The Governor’s Office of Management and Budget released a report  on November 1st that forecast a $3.17 billion budget shortfall in fiscal year 2026. The report estimates a decline in sales revenue and significant increases for education, human services, and health insurance for state workers, legislators, judges, and their dependents.

In response to this forecast, the governor’s budget office made the following statement, “while a daunting challenge to balance spending pressures in the face of a flat revenue outlook, the governor remains committed to taking steps to further improve Illinois’ fiscal position and address any potential budgetary shortfalls that may arise — as has been done every year since he took office in 2019.” The governor’s budget office also warned that funding for new programs would be limited.

For the current fiscal year, the governor’s budget office estimates a budget surplus of $262 million which will be reserved in the Budget Stabilization fund.

AROUND THE STATE

Johnson commits millions to ambitious mental health plan despite budget constraints

“Despite Chicago’s public health budget shrinking next year, Mayor Brandon Johnson has designated funds to support new behavioral health programs and services as he keeps a campaign promise to execute on an ambitious mental health agenda,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Utility assistance applications open for low-income Illinoisans

“The state’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is accepting applications for all households beginning Friday, Nov. 1. The program offers financial assistance for utility bills to low-income families. Other discounts are also available, even if someone is not enrolled in LIHEAP,” by WTTW.

As open enrollment begins, a transformative shift takes place behind the scenes in Illinois

“The state of Illinois is in the midst of a transformative project to establish a state-based health insurance exchange marketplace that it says could help fill coverage gaps and lower plan costs for residents throughout the state,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Jurors hear tape of Madigan being informed of plan to pay ousted aide: ‘Yeah, I think I oughta stay out of it’

“Jurors in Michael Madigan’s corruption trial on Monday heard a key wiretapped phone call in which the speaker’s longtime confidant told him about a plan to kick thousands of dollars to a loyal ward aide who was ousted after being accused of sexual harassment,” by the Chicago Tribune.

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Chicago regulators approve cannabis dispensary despite objections over its proximity to school

“Regulators have approved a controversial proposed cannabis dispensary for Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood, despite a recommended denial from the city zoning administrator. Opponents say it is too close to a school and will delay emergency vehicles,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Automated ticketing of bus, bike lane parking violators begins downtown trial run

“The city on Monday began a 30-day period in which drivers will receive warning notices by mail for parking infractions caught by license plate reading cameras mounted to eight city vehicles,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Floats a Liquor Tax Increase in His 2025 Budget

“Plus, an Election Day liquor ban question is posed to Lincoln Square residents, while a Bronzeville alderperson pushes for one,” by EATER Chicago.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Floats a Liquor Tax Increase in His 2025 Budget

“Plus, an Election Day liquor ban question is posed to Lincoln Square residents, while a Bronzeville alderperson pushes for one,” by EATER Chicago.

FEDERAL

Beltway Briefing: 2024 Election Forecast: Divided Government on the Horizon? 

With the election just days away, the Public Strategies team predicts key race outcomes and discusses whether divided government will continue. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Towner French, and Kyle Anderson.

Listen to the Beltway Briefing 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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