Illinois Insights: An update from Cozen O’Connor (12/4)

December 4, 2024

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Jury in Madigan corruption trial sees speaker’s clout list of recommended hires for Pritzker administration

“Then-powerful House Speaker Michael Madigan was intimately involved in the process of recommending people to sit on state board and commissions and kept a running list that eventually totaled 91 names after JB Pritzker won the election for governor in 2018, Madigan’s ex-chief of staff testified Wednesday,” by the Chicago Tribune.

State Board of Elections certifies election results showing decline in turnout

“This year’s turnout was the fourth lowest of the last 40 years, according to the board. Turnout was slightly below President-elect Donald Trump’s first victory in 2016, but higher than former President Barack Obama’s victory in 2012,” by Northern Public Radio.

Madigan attorney accuses Solis of not telling feds ‘all the crimes you committed’

“While the feds were keeping track of the lies they’d instructed Solis to tell, Collins on Monday accused Solis of lying to the FBI and federal prosecutors during his period of undercover work – at least by omission. He also accused Solis of breaking federal tax law even if he was cooperating with the government,” by Capitol News Illinois.

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

City Council puts do-not-hire policy under a microscope in wake of mayor’s press office shake-up

“Standing before four former employees of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s communications team who were placed on the do-not-hire list after being fired by their former boss, Ronnie Reese, Ald. Scott Waguespack, 32nd, and Ald. Gilbert Villegas, 36th, said during a news conference outside City Hall today that they plan to push for an easier appeal process for those who believe they were unfairly placed on the list,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Board of Education offers buyout to CPS CEO Pedro Martinez

“The Board of Education has offered a buyout to embattled Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez, but the schools chief has not agreed to leave his post, two sources told the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Chicago election officials want more early voting sites, Council members float agency consolidation

“The Chicago Board of Elections has big hopes to double the number of vote centers for future elections after voters faced long lines, but looming budget crises are prompting some City Council members to float consolidation of the office instead,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: The CEO’s Guide to Trump 2.0

President-elect Trump values loyalty and relationships, making engagement with the White House essential for business leaders. A personal approach can pay dividends.

Having announced all but a handful of cabinet appointments to date, Trump is in the process of rounding out his economic team, drawing on nominees from both the traditionally conservative and the protectionist wings of the GOP.

Trump’s elevation of skeptics to lead health agencies they’ve long criticized signals major shake-ups coming to health care.

Read the Cozen Currents here.

Beltway Briefing: The Trump Nominations: Is This What Americans Voted For?

As Trump’s personnel announcements continue to roll out, Americans are given a glimpse into his vision for the next four years. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, and Towner French.

Listen to the Beltway Briefing here.

Authors

About Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, an affiliate of the international law firm Cozen O’Connor, is a bipartisan government relations practice representing clients before the federal government and in cities and states throughout the country. With offices in Washington D.C., Richmond, Albany, New York City, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Chicago, and Santa Monica, the firm’s public strategies professionals offer a full complement of government affairs services, including legislative and executive branch advocacy, policy analysis, assistance with government procurement and funding programs, and crisis management. Its client base spans multiple industries, including healthcare, transportation, hospitality, education, construction, energy, real estate, entertainment, financial services, and insurance.

About Cozen O’Connor

Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 775 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle-market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 31 offices across two continents.

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