Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (3/25)

March 25, 2024

ILLINOIS

| AROUND THE STATE

City mail vote slices O’Neill Burke’s lead over Harris in state’s attorney race

“More mail-in ballots were counted Sunday, leaving 2,015 votes separating Harris and Burke. The two were separated by 4,771 votes after Saturday’s count. Burke is leading Harris 50.19% to 49.81% overall,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Property Values for Rogers Park Township Released

“Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi released the initial assessments of residential and commercial properties in Rogers Park Township on March 18, 2024, marking the beginning of the reassessment of the City of Chicago,” from the Office of the Cook County Assessor.

Governor Pritzker Announces Resignation of Prisoner Review Board Member LeAnn Miller

“Governor JB Pritzker today announced the resignation of Prisoner Review Board (PRB) member LeAnn Miller. Miller conducted the recent Crosetti Brand hearing and prepared a draft order provided to a panel of two additional members for concurrence, as per PRB procedure,” from the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

In fight to keep invasive carp from the Great Lakes, Pritzker, Army Corps at impasse on building a barrier

“The governor wants a better deal that would leave the door open for more federal funding and an incremental construction process, records show,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Bill would allow non-citizens to become firefighters as House GOP backtracks on similar bill for police

“Some non-citizens could be allowed to become firefighters in Illinois under a bill making its way through the House, which compliments legislation lawmakers approved last year that created a pathway for non-citizens to become police officers. However, House Republicans are now backtracking their support for allowing non-citizens to join the police force,” by The Daily Line.

CHICAGO

Staff named to DNC Committee communications team

As reported by Politico, Megha Bhattacharya will serve as deputy director of surrogate communications. She was adviser for strategic communications at the State Department.

Jaidan Idarraga, who was speechwriter at the DNC, will serve as assistant press secretary.

Camille Candaele joins as surrogate communications manager and was special assistant in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

Leah Hurwitz joins as press assistant after interning with Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Mayor Brandon Johnson Announces the Return of Five Chicago Park District Facilities to Programming and Operations

“Beginning March 30, 2024, the City of Chicago will decompress temporary shelters at five Chicago Park District facilities that are currently part of the New Arrivals Mission. After all shelter residents have been transitioned to another shelter, the Park District will begin the process of restoring the facilities and resuming park programming and other park operations at each of the five locations currently used as temporary emergency shelters,” from the Office of Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Mayor Johnson’s plan to borrow $1.25 billion for development projects gets a mixed reception

“Some Chicago City Council members urged more oversight of which projects Johnson’s plan would fund, while supporters said it would be a much needed boon to housing and city development,” by WBEZ Chicago.

Bring Chicago Home Referendum Fails, AP Says

“Over 53 percent of voters opposed the proposal to raise the real estate transfer tax on property sales over $1 million to generate funding for homelessness prevention programs,” by Block Club Chicago.

The DNC will shine a spotlight on Chicago — for better or worse

“A national spotlight will shine on Chicago in August when 50,000 visitors, including 15,000 members of the media, come to town for the Democratic National Convention,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Chicago has spent $31 million to feed migrants since 2022, records show

“Additionally, the Greater Chicago Food Depository has spent more than $17.6 million in public and private funds. The city has brought on new caterers to feed South American migrants in temporary shelters,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

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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About Cozen O’Connor

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