Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (6/28)

ILLINOIS

| AROUND THE STATE

State adds two migrant shelters months before DNC, causing objections from lawmakers

“Ahead of August’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration this week revealed it’s opening two new shelters to house up to 1,700 migrants, though the governor’s office sought to downplay the timing,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Homeowners in south and southwest suburbs will see ‘record-high’ spike in tax bills, Treasurer’s Office study shows

“Property tax bills for Tax Year 2023 for homeowners in the south and southwest suburbs of Cook County jumped significantly while businesses in the area got big breaks, an analysis by the county treasurer’s office released this morning shows,” by The Daily Line.

Madigan, ComEd bribery cases could be upended by U.S. Supreme Court ruling, defense attorneys say

“A defense attorney predicted one of Chicago’s high-stakes public corruption cases, the ComEd bribery case, will get a new trial. Michael Madigan’s trial is set for October but could be delayed,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Most new gas, diesel vehicle sales would be banned in Illinois by 2035 under proposal

“Modeled after a California policy, advocates want Illinois to set a schedule that puts more electric vehicles on the state’s roads over the next decade,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

CHICAGO

Revenue subcommittee holds first meeting, few specifics discussed 

The City Council Finance Subcommittee on Revenue held its inaugural meeting on Wednesday after being formed in October 2023 with the task of finding new revenue sources for the city.

The first meeting centered mostly around city finance basics, with a presentation from the city’s financial team on how the city currently collects taxes and other revenue, rather than a discussion of the pros and cons of specific new taxes or fees.

Ahead of the meeting, Ald. William Hall (6), chair of the revenue subcommittee, sent a survey to council colleagues last week asking for their input on 16 various proposals to raise new revenue.

Hall did not disclose results of the Google survey, which only asked for “yes” or “no” responses to the revenue ideas, which included increasing property taxes, new sales taxes, new taxes on video gambling, a congestion tax downtown, and digital advertisements along the Riverwalk.

No specific proposals were discussed Wednesday as Budget Director Annette Guzman said that work is still “ongoing.” Many of the potential taxes would need approval from state lawmakers.

Hall said there’s no date set yet for the next subcommittee meeting but that it would happen “when we have some great ideas.”

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Chicago hate crimes remain high after recent spike, city report shows

“After nearly quadrupling in just three years, Chicago’s hate crime levels remain high, city leaders said Thursday,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Chicago Has 5th-Worst Traffic In The World, Study Finds

“Evening rush hours on the Dan Ryan and Stevenson expressways were among the most congested commutes in the country last year, according to the study. The typical Chicago-area driver lost 96 hours in traffic last year,” by Block Club Chicago.

CTU endorses slate of candidates for Chicago’s first elected school board

“Just days after the candidate filing period ended, the CTU is out with 11 endorsed candidates for 10 seats, including parents, educators, faith leaders and community organizers,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Firefighters to march during NASCAR, Democratic convention to push Mayor Johnson for new contract

“Pat Cleary, president of Chicago Fire Fighters Union Local 2, predicted “hundreds” of members would participate in the two-hour march on Michigan Avenue on July 6,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

‘Serious concerns’ remain after CPD revises mass arrest policy ahead of Democratic Convention

“A coalition of community organizations says the policy still fails to draw a line between crowds protected under the First Amendment and those engaged in illegal activity such as looting,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: Why This Rematch Isn’t a Rehash

While President Biden’s age has sparked worry among traditionally Democratic-leaning voters, it may help him make inroads with older voters, one of the most important voting blocs.

President Biden and former President Trump are set to face off in their first debate of the cycle on Thursday. While many won’t be able to look away, whether it will really have much of an effect on the race is a debate in itself.

President Biden and former President Trump are vying for the support of union members, who will be a key voting bloc in the critical Rust Belt.

The Cozen Currents can be read here.

Beltway Briefing, Migrant Crisis: National Issue, Local Impact

As droves of migrants arrive at the Southern Border, the consequences of the federal government’s inaction on immigration profoundly affect major cities like New York City and Chicago. Members of Public Strategies’ Federal, New York, and Chicago teams discuss the national perspective and the localized impact, emphasizing the need for comprehensive federal immigration reform and support to alleviate the burdens of the migrant crisis on urban areas.

Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Towner French (Federal), Katie Schwab (New York), and John Dunn (Chicago).

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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