Illinois Insights: An Update from Cozen O’Connor (9/6)

ILLINOIS

| AROUND THE STATE

Gov. Pritzker and Incobrasa Industries Break Ground on $250 Million Manufacturing Facility Expansion

“Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined state and local leaders along with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to celebrate the groundbreaking of Incobrasa Industries LTD’s expanded manufacturing facility. The expansion represents more than $250 million capital investment and will create 40 new full-time jobs while retaining 200 jobs — generating economic benefit for the region and state,” from the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker.

Illinois delays copay requirement for noncitizens

“Immigration advocates breathed a sigh of relief on Tuesday after the Illinois Department of Healthcare & Family Services, or HFS, delayed implementing copays for beneficiaries of the state’s Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults/Seniors (HBIA/HBIS) programs,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

State creates task force to consider merits, needed regulations for AI

“The task force will consist of 20 members and hold at least five public meetings in Chicago, Springfield, Metro East, Quad Cities and Southern Illinois. The summation of these meetings will lead to a report shared with the governor’s office and the General Assembly by Dec. 31, 2024,” by The State Journal-Register.

Pritzker defends denials of medical release requests from dying and disabled prisoners

“Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker defended the number of dying and disabled prisoners released under a landmark law that went into effect early last year,” by Capitol News Illinois.

Illinois moves to protect preventive health care coverage

“Earlier this month, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed Public Act 103-0551, which codified provisions of the federal Affordable Care Act requiring some private insurance plans to cover preventive care services. Other covered services under Illinois’ new law include reproductive health care,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

Federal share of Illinois’ budget hits record high

“A new report shows Illinois’ state budget in 2021 depended heavily on the federal government. According to the Pew Charitable Trusts, thanks to a sizable boost in federal aid during the pandemic, from Medicaid support to funds to combat COVID-19, federal funds accounted for over 31% of the Illinois state budget in fiscal year 2021,” by The Center Square.

CHICAGO

| MORE FROM CITY HALL

Chicago government’s IT infrastructure inefficient to the point of ‘barely’ working, consultant tells City Council

“An IT consultant hired by City Hall to diagnose the city’s wide array of technological woes urged aldermen Tuesday to drastically revamp its software and up its investments in information technology infrastructure after years of city neglect and cost inefficiencies,” by The Chicago Tribune.

Johnson has few wells to tap for his lofty spending goals as first budget looms

“Johnson is tentatively scheduled to release his first budget proposal on Oct. 11 and has given no indication he’ll flip-flop on raising property taxes. But absent other sources of revenue that are unlikely to materialize this year, his first spending plan will be measured on the down payments it lays down, rather than ‘transformative investments,’ according to his allies in the City Council,” by Crain’s Chicago Business.

At summer’s end, Chicago murders are down 21% from horrendous 2021

“Gun violence citywide has been trending down for about 20 months. By Thursday night, the Chicago Police Department had counted 420 murders during the year’s first eight months. That tally is 7.9% less than during the first eight months of 2022 and 21.3% less than during those months of 2021, when Chicago had its worst gun violence in a quarter century,” by WBEZ.

As companies downsize in the Loop, bargain rates draw a new group of tenants

“It’s no secret that companies have been downsizing their spaces in the wake of the pandemic and, in many cases, leaving the Loop for trendier digs in Fulton Market. But a budding trend is unfolding in the wake of those moves. The Loop spaces companies are leaving behind are available for lease at bargain rates, making it possible for smaller firms and nonprofits to move into nicer spaces than they would otherwise be able to afford,” by The Chicago Tribune.

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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