Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (5/22)

ILLINOIS

| AROUND THE STATE

Pritzker proposing $300 million in tax breaks for certain business sectors

“The Pritzker administration is proposing a massive tax incentive package related to the electric vehicle sector. The incentives amount to about $300 million and would include EV makers that manufacture hovercrafts and microchips,” by The Center Square.

As legislative session adjournment looms, a rush to regulate carbon capture industry

“A technology that some say is a key tool to address climate change and others say is a cash grab for heavy industry could face new regulations – if lawmakers can find the time before their scheduled adjournment this week,” by Capitol News Illinois.

Bill calling for interest rate disclosures on small business loans dies in Illinois House

“Nonbank loans to small businesses have grown rapidly in recent years, but nonbank commercial lenders aren’t required to disclose the annual percentage rate to borrowers,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Legislation to end subminimum wage for tipped workers stalls, but advocates plan to keep pushing

“Legislation to eliminate the subminimum wage for tipped workers statewide appears unlikely to pass before lawmakers adjourn this week, but the coalition pushing the measure vowed Tuesday to continue efforts to bring the rest of Illinois in line with the city of Chicago,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Lawmakers trying to ensure women’s sports aren’t left out of any Chicago Bears stadium deal

“An unorthodox proposal filed earlier this month, which faces long odds of passage before lawmakers are scheduled to adjourn the spring session on Friday, calls for the state to set aside an unspecified amount of funding for a women’s sports stadium if Illinois helps finance a new home for the Bears, the Chicago White Sox or any other men’s pro team,” by the Chicago Tribune.

CHICAGO

City Council votes to keep ShotSpotter

By a 34 to 14 vote today, aldermen approved a measure that gives the Chicago City Council final say before the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system can be removed from any ward.

The ordinance also requires the Chicago Police Department to collect data on the accuracy of ShotSpotter alerts, the number of ShotSpotter alerts that have no corresponding 911 call, and the number of alerts that allowed police to render aid to victims.

The approval sharply contradicts Mayor Brandon Johnson’s campaign promise to get rid of the controversial and expensive technology. After the meeting, Johnson did not answer directly when asked if he would veto the measure. But he said the order “did nothing” because the City Council “does not have executive authority” on city contracts.

But with two-thirds of the City Council voting in favor of the ordinance, it raises the possibility that the City Council could override a mayoral veto.

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Resolution Calling For CTA President’s Firing, Resignation Stalls Despite Support From Majority Of Council

“Two alderpeople stalled the resolution to fire CTA President Dorval Carter, which now has the support of 29 council members,” by Block Club Chicago.

City Council member angered by game of musical committee chairs

“Ald. Emma Mitts said she accepted the mayor’s offer to chair the Housing Committee and thought she had a deal — until Tuesday, when she was told the job has been promised to Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, who resigned as Zoning chair after being accused of bullying Mitts,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Anti-abortion members of City Council stall approval of quiet zone around West Loop clinic

“At the behest of Planned Parenthood, Ald. Bill Conway (34th) was trying for the second time in six months to establish a “quiet zone” around the abortion clinic operated by Family Planning Associates at 659 W. Washington Blvd., where women have been bullied and intimidated there on their way inside,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Ordinance allowing extra-dense downtown housing moves on to City Council

“A measure allowing developers to provide more residential units in Chicago’s largest buildings was approved in committee Tuesday after a competing proposal to restrict the extra density to existing buildings was shot down,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Budget committee hears about proposed budget calendar, approves appointment of new COFA director

“The City Council Committee on Budget and Government Operations on Monday approved a measure that appoints a new director of the City Council Office of Financial Analysis (COFA) and establishes new rules for the appointment and tenure of financial analysis office directors. The budget committee also heard a preview of important dates for the upcoming budget season, including that a preview for the upcoming budget could be unveiled at a revenue subcommittee meeting next month,” by The Daily Line.

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: Trump’s Policy Agenda in Waiting

Donald Trump’s legal battles are taking significant time away from his campaign, but former advisors and key allies are preparing for his potential reelection.

Early polling of the 2024 presidential election has shown higher relative levels of support among young, Black, and Latino voters for former President Trump than in his two prior campaigns, leading analysts to speculate as to whether Trump is remaking the traditional Republican base.

Student protests of Israel’s war in Gaza have dominated the news, but polling data suggests that progressives’ opposition to President Biden’s support of Israel is not likely to be a major threat to his campaign.

Read the Cozen Currents here.

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.

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