Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (8/23)

August 23, 2023

ILLINOIS

| AROUND THE STATE

Final round of bill signings creates new laws on guns, rideshare companies, and salaries

“Gov. JB Pritzker has taken action on all 567 bills sent to his desk this spring after he signed a bill into law Friday to address access to grocery stores. In total, Pritzker signed 561 laws and vetoed six bills that lawmakers will reconsider this fall. Among the final bills signed by Pritzker this year were measures to hold gun manufactures accountable, establish new regulations for businesses, keep abortion information private and help reduce food deserts in Illinois,” by The Daily Line.

County commissioners call on Board of Review to finish cost-comparison analysis before budget season begins

“After months of delays, Cook County commissioners are now giving a firm deadline in which they would like to receive a cost comparison analysis report from the Cook County Board of Review on property tax administration software. In an email sent to Board of Review members Monday, Comm. Bridget Degnen (D-12) asked Board of Review members to assemble the report in time for county commissioners to view it before 2024 budget proceedings begin in October,” by The Daily Line.

Governor signs measures to protect license plate data in abortion, immigration activities

“House Bill 3326 limits other states’ ability to access automatic license plate reader data in Illinois to punish someone from out of state seeking an abortion in Illinois,” by The Center Square.

Illinois lands $1.3M federal grant to promote more women in construction industry

“The grant money comes as part of President Joe Biden’s signature $1.2 trillion infrastructure package signed into law almost two years ago, and aims to promote gender equity and inclusion in the male-dominated field,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

CHICAGO

Johnson signs off on real estate transfer tax expected to be introduced next month 

Mayor Brandon Johnson has agreed to a new compromise on his proposal to raise the city’s real estate transfer tax to generate revenue and combat homelessness.

While the original proposal from the Bring Chicago Home Coalition called for tripling the transfer tax on Chicago homes sold for $1 million and above, the new proposal creates a “three-tiered progressive structure.”

  • The transfer tax on property sales under $1 million would be lowered from the current rate of 0.75% to 0.60%.
  • The transfer tax on property sales of between $1 million and $1.5 million would be set at 2%, more than 2.5 times the current rate.
  • The transfer tax on property sales of over $1.5 million would be raised to 3%, four times the current rate.

Details of the latest version of the proposal were reportedly announced to City Council members at a closed-door meeting Tuesday.

Alderpersons are expected to introduce the referendum proposal during the September 13 City Council meeting. According to Zoning Committee Chair Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35), the revised proposal has the support of “a majority” of alderpersons.

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Bridget Early Appointed Deputy Mayor For Labor Relations

“Mayor Brandon Johnson announced that Bridget Early will serve as the City of Chicago’s first-ever Deputy Mayor for Labor Relations. Early brings to the role more than 15 years of experience in legislative engagement and project management,” from the Office of Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Labor unions make up majority of donations Johnson sees during first 100 days as mayor

“Mayor Brandon Johnson received at least $724,800 in donations to his campaign chest during his first 100 days in office with much of the money flooding in from various labor unions,” by The Daily Line.

Chicago’s migrant crisis will intensify as Democratic National Convention draws near, top mayoral aide says

“Chicago could experience a fivefold increase in arriving migrants — up to 10 busloads a day — sent here by Republican governors trying to embarrass and strain Democratic sanctuary cities in the run-up to the 2024 Democratic National Convention, a top mayoral aide said Monday,” by the Chicago Sun-Times.

If you have any questions regarding this update or if you’re interested in ways to engage on these issues, please contact one of our team members here.

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