Illinois Insights: An update from Cozen O’Connor (9/9)

September 9, 2024

Editor’s note: Please welcome Gabby Manzanares to our Chicago Public Strategies team. Gabby previously worked for the Illinois House of Representatives Office of the Speaker. We look forward to having her assist with legislative and state government issues. 

ILLINOIS

| AROUND THE STATE

Illinois law mandating abortion coverage doesn’t violate religious freedom, judge rules

“A Sangamon County Circuit Court judge has thrown out a request to halt enforcement of a state statute requiring Illinois-regulated health insurers that cover pregnancy to also cover abortion services,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Illinois Republican claims new state flag would ‘advance the far-left’s political ideology’

“The Illinois Flag Commission began accepting submissions of new flag designs last week, opening up a process that could result in a change to a 55-year-old flag,” by The State Journal-Register.

CHICAGO

Chicago announces hiring freeze, limited overtime for city employees 

Chicago Budget Director Annette Guzman shared in an official statement today that the city is enacting a hiring freeze for all city departments, including police and fire, and “stringent limitations” on non-essential travel and overtime expenditures outside of public safety operations.

The decision, effective immediately, is meant to address Chicago’s $222.9 budget shortfall this year and nearly $1 billion budget gap in FY 2025.

“These measures, while necessary, reflect our commitment to responsible fiscal management during a time of financial uncertainty.” Guzman said. “The city’s leadership team, including the Office of Budget and Management (OBM) and the Department of Finance, are working diligently to navigate these financial challenges and ensure the continued delivery of essential services to our residents. We appreciate the cooperation of all city departments as we implement these cost-saving measures.”

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Turnover, hiring freeze roil Chicago’s cultural affairs department under new commissioner

“Some city cultural advisers worry the loss of institutional expertise could impact a department responsible for major events and artist grants,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Public Safety Committee to hold hearing on police technology; Ethics committee to hear quarterly update from inspector general

“The City Council’s public safety committee will hold a hearing Monday on police use of body cameras, drones and other technology to fight crime, and the ethics committee will hear the Chicago inspector general’s latest report,” by The Daily Line.

Target for the O’Hare terminal revamp quietly slips to 2034

“The timetable for completing O’Hare’s massive $8.5 billion terminal overhaul and expansion has been pushed out another two years. The project is expected to be completed by 2034, according to a timeline published in connection with a new $1 billion bond offering,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

FEDERAL

< 60 Days Out: An Unprecedented Election, Beltway Briefing

The media’s narrative has Democrats viewing the presidential race through rose-colored glasses, but this election will be decided by razor-thin margins. While the Harris-Walz campaign positions itself as the “changemakers,” many Americans are still unsure what their vision of “change” truly means. Tuesday’s first Harris-Trump debate gives former President Donald Trump a critical chance to redirect the conversation from personality politics back to policy. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer and Mark Alderman.

Listen to the Beltway Briefing here.

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