Illinois Insights: An update from Cozen O’Connor (12/18)

December 18, 2024

ILLINOIS

AROUND THE STATE

Illinois Senate Human Rights Committee hears testimony on Chicago housing crisis

“The Illinois Senate Human Rights Committee held the meeting Tuesday to hear from advocates and residents of the north side on how the state can make housing a human right. No landlords or representatives of building management companies spoke,” by The Daily Line.

Stars and Sky push for equality in public stadium funding for men’s and women’s sports in Illinois

“As the Stars navigate building a training center and venue, Leetzow and other key figures within the Chicago women’s soccer and basketball scene finally had an opportunity to address equality in public funding to Illinois state representatives,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker Allocates $55.2M for Local Park Projects, Boosting Recreation in Economically Challenged Areas

“To enhance outdoor recreational spaces across Illinois, Governor JB Pritzker and the state’s Department of Natural Resources have earmarked $55.2 million in grants for local park projects,” by Hoodline.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker Announces $200M in Capital Improvement Grants to Transform Healthcare Delivery and Improve Health Outcomes

“Governor JB Pritzker announced the selection of 13 organizations to receive funding through the unprecedented Healthcare Transformation Capital Investment Grant Program. The grants will fund capital projects addressing health-related social needs and reduce disparities in healthcare in historically underserved communities,” by The State of Illinois Newsroom.

Federal prosecutors rest their case against Illinois’ once-powerful speaker, Michael Madigan 

“Federal prosecutors rested their case Wednesday against former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, the once-powerful Southwest Side Democrat whose reign in Springfield shattered records but ended amid a wide-ranging corruption investigation,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Illinois State Police expands ‘slow down, move over’ notifications for motorists

“Illinois State Police continue expanding their reach to drivers on Illinois roadways with a new notification partnership announced Wednesday,” by The Center Square.

CHICAGO

MORE FROM CITY HALL

Aldermen finally pass Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 2025 Chicago Budget

“Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 2025 budget plan made it through the City Council on Monday, a hard-fought victory for the mayor that spares City Hall an unprecedented government shutdown after one of Chicago’s most chaotic budget cycles in recent years,” by the Chicago Tribune.

As Chicago braces for threat of mass deportations, it’s losing its quarterback on migrant issues

“Brandie Knazze is stepping down as commissioner of the city’s Department of Family and Support Services, effective Dec. 31. She is moving to the lower-stress nonprofit world, although she refused to say where,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Chicago Board of Education meeting called, schools’ chief job could be discussed

“Chicago Public Schools called a special board meeting Friday amid brewing tension over the schools chief Pedro Martinez’s employment status. The special meeting is the latest update in what has been a tense, monthslong power struggle between the Chicago Teachers Union, Mayor Brandon Johnson and the district,” by the Chicago Tribune.

Sheriff Tom Dart plans to scrap decades-old electronic monitoring program over safety concerns 

“Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart says he’s phasing out his electronic monitoring program for people awaiting trial because he can’t run it safely anymore. He’s negotiating with Chief Judge Timothy Evans to have the Cook County court system’s separate GPS program watch over people released from the Cook County Jail pending trial,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Damen Silos owner Michael Tadin Jr. moves step closer toward demolition

“The owner of the historic Damen Silos on the West Side moved a step closer toward demolishing the former grain storage structures, though city officials still have to sign off on the plan,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

FEDERAL

Cozen Currents: Process Trumps Substance

With only a few weeks until the GOP assumes unified control of government, Republican lawmakers and Trump administration officials are mired in a debate over the best legislative strategy to advance party-line reforms to tax policy, border security, energy policy, and defense spending come 2025.

While many industries will likely feel some relief from the change in antitrust enforcement regimes, President-elect Trump’s nominees to lead this regulatory effort may mean Big Tech is not as lucky.

The battle to be the GOP’s next leader is already swirling but President-elect Trump isn’t the type to step away quietly.

Read the Cozen Currents here.

Beltway Briefing: The Road Ahead: Searching Beyond the Beltway

With the 2024 election in the rearview, what’s next for a Republican-controlled Washington? We look beyond the Beltway to purple states like Pennsylvania and the 2025 off-year elections in Virginia and New Jersey, seeking insights that could shape the nation’s political future. Featuring Public Strategies’ Towner French (Washington, D.C.), Kyle Anderson (Pennsylvania), and Julia Hammond (Virginia).

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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