Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (3/15)

ILLINOIS

| AROUND THE STATE

Pritzker pushing to get health insurance reform out the door this spring as bill likely to move quickly   

“The House Human Services committee led by Rep. Anna Moeller (D-Elgin) has teed up a bill to advance Gov. JB Pritzker’s health insurance reform that would overhaul the prior authorization model in Illinois and place limits on tools for insurance companies to limit costs. The committee held a subject matter hearing on Wednesday on HB5395, the Healthcare Protection Act,” by The Daily Line.

Cook County offers to chip in on food costs for migrants, approves delay to paid-leave mandate for schools, parks

“Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has proposed chipping in as much as $70 million to help cover the city of Chicago’s cost to feed migrants in the city’s intake and shelter system and potentially pay for other expenses,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Illinois Senate committee approves plan creating Department of Early Childhood

“Senate Majority Leader Lightford told the Senate Executive Committee Wednesday that the new agency would take over the early childhood block grant program, child care assistance, home visiting, and early intervention services. The Pritzker administration hopes to start up the new agency on July 1,” by WAND.

Harris expects limited impact on businesses from Pritzker’s proposed tax hikes

“Department of Revenue Director David Harris said Thursday he expects Gov. JB Pritzker’s proposed tax hikes on businesses to impact just a handful of businesses. Harris spoke to the House Revenue and Finance Committee on Thursday to discuss the department’s and Governor’s Office of Management and Budget’s revenue projections for Fiscal Year 2025,” by The Daily Line.

Census Bureau estimates Cook County’s population dropped in 2023, but the exodus is slowing

“The population loss bucks a larger trend in the Midwest and nationwide, the bureau noted. More U.S. counties experienced population gains than losses in 2023. But after the census undercounted Illinoisans in 2020, the bureau’s estimates should be taken with a grain of salt,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

For Toni Preckwinkle, another election and another chance to wield her political muscle

“From presidential tarmac visits to policy decisions during crises, Preckwinkle focused on the power and influence she already had in two of the Chicago area’s most important political roles,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

CHICAGO

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Johnson urged to appoint commissioner to overlooked zoning board

“The calls come as Johnson has launched an initiative to speed up development approvals in the city and made addressing homelessness a top priority in his administration,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Civic Federation questions volatility, structure, fairness of ‘Bring Chicago Home’ referendum

“Among other things, the 25-page analysis questions whether the tax would generate the millions of dollars Mayor Johnson is hoping for and whether there’s sufficient oversight to ensure the money goes for its intended purpose,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Mayor Brandon Johnson and Mayor’s Office of Community Safety Announce Priority Block Groups

“Focusing on ten specific block groups within four hyperlocal areas in Englewood, West Garfield Park, Austin, and Little Village (South Lawndale), this phase aims to amplify the impact of our investments directed at eradicating the root causes of violence in historically disinvested communities,” from the Office of Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Bally’s suitor: Buyout wouldn’t impact Chicago casino

“The leader of the hedge fund making a play to take over gambling giant Bally’s said a buyout wouldn’t impact its commitment to build a new casino in Chicago,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

FEDERAL

Beltway Briefing: “Double-Hater” Voters to Determine the 2024 Presidential

Following Super Tuesday and President Biden’s State of the Union address, Public Strategies teams up with Cozen O’Connor’s state attorneys general (SAG) practice to discuss key races and issues ahead of November. From presidential to congressional to gubernatorial to state attorneys general races, they dissect the looming specter of aging presidential contenders, the economic pulse, immigration, discourse surrounding abortion rights, and Israel-Gaza conflict, among other pivotal issues.

Listen to the Beltway Briefing here.

Cozen Currents: The General Election Begins

With Super Tuesday, the State of the Union, and the release of President Biden’s FY25 budget, this past week has been a politically consequential one. This series of events mark the pivot to the general election several months earlier than is traditionally the case, setting up a long slog of a presidential rematch that the majority of Americans would have preferred not to happen.

As President Biden’s first term approaches its end, he’s earned his status as the president that has accomplished the most to fight climate change. It hasn’t exactly moved the needle though with voters.

One year after the failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank stoked fears of a broader banking crisis, regulators are working to finalize a sweeping overhaul of bank capital requirements in an effort to prevent future unexpected collapses.

Read the full 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.

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