Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies (8/17)

August 17, 2022

PUBLIC HEALTH 

— Illinois Coronavirus Updates: Back-to-School Guidelines, CDC and Testing Changes, by NBC 5 Chicago.

— Illinois Coronavirus Updates: BA.5 Subvariant, Paxlovid and More, by NBC 5 Chicago.

ILLINOIS

Pritzker awards $106 Million in grants through Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets Capital Program

On Monday, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced $106 million in state funding and an additional $109 million in matching grant funds awarded to revitalize 50 commercial corridors and main streets throughout Illinois, the largest-ever Rebuild Illinois investment focused on community revitalization.

Launched through Rebuild Illinois State capital funds and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the grants support projects that will revitalize commercial hubs, beautify and modernize downtowns, address critical infrastructure needs, boost jobs, and improve the quality of life for residents.

A full list of recipients and location, project description, and funding allocations can be found here.

AROUND THE STATE 

— Giannoulias, Brady Set the Stage for Heated Battle in Secretary of State’s Race: “For the first time in nearly 25 years, Illinois will have a new secretary of state this winter, and Democrat Alexi Giannoulias and Republican Dan Brady are hoping that their messages find receptive audiences in what will be a keenly-watched race,” by NBC 5 Chicago.

— Democrats defend eliminating cash bail, arguing bond is a piece of a ‘broken’ justice system: “As a conservative group hits Illinois airwaves with an ad attacking the SAFE-T Act and elimination of cash bail, Democrats are defending their legislation and arguing moving to a risk-based assessment will be a positive step for the state’s judicial system,” by The Daily Line.

— Pritzker talks session timeline, highlights infrastructure spending: “In a series of downstate news conferences coinciding with the Illinois State Fair, Gov. JB Pritzker last week […] outlined new state infrastructure investments and announced a new program for some Illinoisans over age 55. Pritzker wasn’t any clearer as to when he expected lawmakers to return to address issues such as abortion rights and gun violence,” from Illinois Newsroom.

— Comptroller Mendoza backs bill to require annual $200 million addition to state’s Rainy Day Fund: The bill “amends the State Budget Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that ‘general funds’ or ‘State general funds’ as used under the Act includes the Pension Stabilization Fund,” from Capitol Fax.

— Governor Pritzker Announces an Invitation for Bid Issued for Historic Chicago Damen Silos Location: “Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) Monday announced the issuance of an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for the sale of the Damen Silos located at 2900 South Damen Avenue. Information on the IFB can be viewed at www.bidbuy.illinois.gov.”

— Governor Pritzker Announces New Southwestern Illinois Justice & Workforce Development Campus: “Governor Pritzker joined local legislators and stakeholders Monday to announce a new law enforcement-focused campus in Belleville in partnership with the city of Belleville, Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC), the Illinois State Police (ISP), and Southern Illinois University (SIU),” from the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

— Lt. Governor Stratton’s Statement on Signing of Inflation Reduction Act: “Today, a clear path to uplift millions of Americans was realized as President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law …”

— SALE OF CHAMPIONS INVESTS IN TOMORROW’S AGRICULTURAL LEADERS: “For the third year, Governor JB Pritzker ended up in a bidding war for the Grand Champion Steer with none other than his wife, First Lady MK Pritzker. He drove up the price, but it was the First Lady who took home the Grand Champion Steer with a bid of $105,000, tying the record she set in 2021,” from the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

CHICAGO

Lightfoot appoints Chief Risk Officer and Deputy Mayor of Infrastructure and Services

Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot today announced the appointments of Stephen A. Skardon as the City of Chicago’s Chief Risk Officer and Lori Ann Lypson as the Deputy Mayor of Infrastructure and Services.

Skardon served as a policy director on Mayor Lightfoot’s campaign and joined her administration as a senior advisor and counsel. Skardon worked on major initiatives, including workers’ compensation reform, establishing the Chief Risk Officer position, and bringing a casino to Chicago.

Prior to entering public service, Skardon practiced law at several law firms in Chicago.

Lypson, who currently serves as Chief of Staff for the Public Building Commission of Chicago (PBC), began her career in public service with the Chicago Police Department’s Office of Professional Standards.

Lypson has served as a Deputy Procurement Officer for the Department of Procurement Services and at PBC as the Director of Government Affairs and Legal Affairs, Chief Operating Officer/Chief of Staff.

MORE FROM CITY HALL

— Ald. Derrick Curtis Fined $1K for Using His City Email to Tout Lightfoot’s Reelection Kickoff: “The Chicago Board of Ethics voted unanimously Monday to fine Ald. Derrick Curtis (18th Ward) $1,000 for violating the city’s ethics ordinance by using his official city of Chicago email account to advertise Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s reelection kickoff,” by WTTW.

— CPS Educator Aida Flores Running For 25th Ward Alderperson Again: “Aida Flores, a Chicago Public Schools educator, is running to unseat current Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez in the 25th Ward,” by Block Club Chicago.

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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