Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (11/1)

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Banks ask federal judge to block Illinois law banning certain credit card fees

“Banking and credit groups opposed to a new Illinois law banning certain credit card fees argued before a federal judge on Wednesday that the regulation would be costly to financial institutions and is preempted by existing federal law for national, state and out-of-state banks,” by the  Chicago Tribune.

Illinois officials take first step toward construction of 2 new prisons

“Illinois officials Friday announced their impending search for a firm to manage the planning and construction of two prisons with a combined budget of $900 million,” by AP News.

Elgin Community College building $85M manufacturing center to help meet demand for more skilled workers

“The building will be the second-largest public community college manufacturing center in Illinois and allow the college to expand its program offerings and instruction space,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Madigan co-defendant had unparalleled access to speaker, ex-top aide testifies

“Jury hears another wiretap of Mike McClain referring to Madigan as ‘real client’,” by Capitol News Illinois.

CHICAGO

CPS School Board President Resigns

The president of Chicago’s school board, Rev. Mitchell Johnson, resigned on Thursday October 31st due to social media posts that were deemed antisemitic and misogynistic. Rev. Mitchell Johnson was asked to resign by Mayor Johnson after 26 aldermen signed a letter asking for Rev. Johnson to resign.

The letter called for Rev. Mitchell’s immediate resignation as school board president and called Rev. Mitchell’s appointment to the school board a ‘a failure of leadership’ by the Johnson administration. This resignation comes only one week after Mayor Johnson appointed Rev. Johnson to the school board.

Mayor Johnson’s press release on Rev. Johnson’s resignation stated the following, “Reverend Mitchell Johnson’s statements were not only hurtful but deeply disturbing, I want to be clear: Antisemitic, misogynistic, and conspiratorial statements are unacceptable.”

The press release stated that his administration will work on finding a qualified individual to fill the open seat on the Chicago School Board. During Friday’s school board meeting, Michilla “Kyla” Blaise was selected as the temporary chair of the school board.

MORE FROM CITY HALL

State retailer association says it was blindsided by checkout bag tax changes in mayor’s budget plan

“As part of his proposal to pass a balanced budget that closes a nearly $1 billion gap, Mayor Brandon Johnson is proposing to eliminate the portion of the city’s checkout bag tax that is retained by businesses,” by The Daily Line.

Chicago Police Department reform office slashed under Johnson’s proposed budget

“Under the mayor’s plan, spending for the office charged with implementing reforms to get CPD out from under the costly constraints of a federal consent decree would shrink by 45%, and more than half the positions would be eliminated,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Bring Back Big Business Head Tax to Address Migrant, Homelessness Crisis, Advocates Say

“Members of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights say more funding is needed as they worry the city’s plan to merge shelter systems will lead to thousands sleeping on Chicago’s streets,” by Block Club Chicago.

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: How to Watch Election Night(s)

Despite polls showing a tied race and local laws preventing the quick processing of early and absentee ballots in a handful of key states, there are notable signals to watch on Election Night for early signs of who will win the White House.

Competitive races in Virginia, Ohio, and Maine will provide the earliest indicators of which party might win a majority in the House, but there’s a chance that the House majority may still not be determined for several days as a result of slow vote-counting in California.

Unlike with the White House and the House, there is less uncertainty over who is likely to gain control of the Senate, but the margin of victory in the upper chamber will still be consequential.

Read the Cozen Currents here.

Beltway Briefing: Is the Cake Already Baked?

With early voting underway, it raises the question: “Is the cake already baked?” Are there still undecided voters out there, or are we just waiting for the remaining ballots to roll in? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Patrick Martin, and Towner French.

Listen to the Beltway Briefing here.

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