Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies (9/9)

PUBLIC HEALTH 

— New COVID Boosters Now Available In Chicago, Giving More Protection Against Common Omicron Variants, by Block Club Chicago.

— COVID update: Illinois reports 4,902 new cases, 16 new deaths, by ABC 7 Chicago.

— IDPH Data Shows COVID-19 Therapies Averted 8,600 Illinois COVID-19 Hospitalizations in Past 4 Months, from the Illinois Department of Public Health.

ILLINOIS

Former Ald. Bob Fioretti announces Republican bid for Cook County Board President

Former Chicago Ald. Bob Fioretti formally launched his campaign for Cook County Board President Wednesday, pledging to put crime and public safety at the forefront of his campaign.

“Crime is on the rise, Cook County’s spending is out of control, our infrastructure is crumbling, and we have higher taxes than ever before,” Fioretti said during his official announcement at the Billy Goat Tavern.

Fioretti previously served as 2nd Ward alderman from 2007 to 2015 and was a stalwart member of the Chicago City Council’s Progressive Caucus. Now, as the only Republican running for Cook County Board President, the GOP party is backing Fioretti.

Fioretti will be taking on Board President Toni Preckwinkle in the general election Nov. 8. Fioretti previously ran against Preckwinkle in the Democratic primary in 2018, and lost by a 20-point margin.

AROUND THE STATE 

— Senate confirms John Lee for 7th Circuit: First Asian American judge on Chicago-based appeals court: “The Senate on Wednesday confirmed U.S. District Judge John Lee for a spot on the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, making him the first Asian American judge on the panel and the second person of color on the Chicago-based appeals court,” by The Chicago Sun-Times.

— Pritzker Administration Relaunches ‘Opening Doors’ Homebuyer Program: “Governor JB Pritzker announced the reopening of a homeownership program designed to help working class families and underrepresented communities of color across the state of Illinois,” from the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

— Two months from Election Day, Republicans searching for message louder than Dems abortion message to create ‘red wave’: “While political observers have speculated a ‘red wave’ could propel Republicans to victories this fall, such a surge could be minimal or nonexistent in Illinois as Democrats continue to out-fundraise Republicans and fend off attacks Republican candidates hope will sway voters,” by The Daily Line.

— Latino communities need more funding for violence prevention, lawmakers, advocates say: “Latino communities need more financial help fighting gun violence, a pair of state senators and a group of Humboldt Park community members said at a town hall meeting Wednesday,” by The Daily Line.

— Most Illinois taxpayers will be getting a tax rebate from the state soon — all you need to know: “Distribution of the onetime income- and property-tax rebates, which will be issued to qualifying Illinois residents, starts Monday,” by The Chicago Sun-Times.

— Gov. Pritzker Breaks Ground on Reconstruction of Key Corridor in Harvey, Dixmoor, Riverdale: “Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Thursday joined local officials and community leaders to break ground on the reconstruction and overhaul of Wood Street/Ashland Avenue,” from the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

— ICC Issues Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act NOI Report: “The Report summarizes information collected by the state’s regulated utilities and other stakeholders about which federal grants, loans, assistance, and programs under IIJA they may be eligible, and intend to apply,” from the Illinois Commerce Commission.

CHICAGO 

City Council committee approves ordinance to protect abortion rights

On Thursday, the Committee on Health & Human Relations unanimously approved a measure to make Chicago a ‘sanctuary city’ for those seeking abortion care, gender-affirming care, and other reproductive care including contraception and invitro fertilization.

The ordinance (O2022-2486) – championed by Ald. Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez (33) – makes permanent an executive order from Mayor Lightfoot forbidding city agencies, including the Chicago Police Department, from cooperating with other states investigating abortion providers and those seeking abortion access.

The proposal, also known as the “Bodily Autonomy Sanctuary City Ordinance,” is expected to be approved at the full City Council meeting Sept. 21.

MORE FROM CITY HALL

— City Council committee tweaks gender identity ordinance: “If passed by the full Council, the revised ordinance will state a ‘legitimate governmental reason’ for asking for gender identity is to collect ‘demographic information reporting on the diversity of city employees’ or to ‘provide better services to the public,’” by The Chicago Sun-Times.

— Lightfoot creates Casino Advisory Council: “Weeks after Bally’s filed its application with the Illinois Gaming Board, the mayor created the panel, which has four ‘neighborhood representatives’ and 15 “issue experts.” She said she wants it to be a channel for community input,” by The Daily Line.

— Third wave of immigrants arrives in Chicago from Texas: “For the third time in a week, Texas officials sent individuals arriving at the southern U.S. border to Chicago. City officials are providing refuge for the newly arrived immigrants at a Humboldt Park shelter,” by The Chicago Sun-Times. — U.S. Rep. Jesus ‘Chuy’ Garcia endorses Jeylu Gutierrez to challenge Burke, announces support in other ward races: “Jeylu Gutierrez has emerged as a candidate to challenge indicted, longtime Ald. Ed Burke (14) for his City Council seat and she is hopeful the new ward map and an appetite for change among residents will help her win,” by The Daily Line.

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